IMEX 2009 – More than 8,700 visitors from all over the world and 3,500 exhibitors representing 157 countries are expected on 17,500 square meters of exhibition space; 70 free seminars; comprehensive supporting program; strong emphasis on environmental conservation
Frankfurt am Main, May 26, 2009. “IMEX – incorporating Meetings made in Germany, The Worldwide Exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events” is taking place for the seventh time at the Frankfurt fair grounds, hall 8. From May 26 to 28, event organizers and travel managers will have the opportunity to personally gather information on hotels, convention centers, destinations, airlines, events agencies in Germany and all over the world, and more. A total of 3,500 exhibitors from 157 countries and more than 8,700 visitors from all over the world will be meeting at IMEX this year. IMEX is the first international trade fair for the Meetings, Events, Conventions and Incentives industry in Germany, and the only industry meeting place worldwide to enjoy a foundation of both, a very strong national market and international visitors.
Many new exhibitors
IMEX 2009 will be showcasing exhibitors from 157 countries – among them destinations attending for the first time, such as Kazakhstan, Madagascar and Mongolia. Destinations and services from both, emerging and expanding markets are finding their way into the MICE industry, as proven by several hundreds of companies exhibiting at IMEX for the first time. These include Anchorage CVB, French cruise liner Compagnie du Ponant, South Tyrol Convention Centre, El Salvador, Excellent Tours China, Hard Rock International, Lago Maggiore, Lebanon and PRA Destination Management. The 2009 show also features 40 new stands, including Armenian Event, Iberian incoming agency Top Atlantico DMC, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the Valencia Convention Bureau. Making welcome returns to IMEX 2009 after one year of hiatus are Greater Boston CVB, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, Kenya and Qatar.
Larger stands
43 exhibitors have booked more stand space this year. Germany has expanded its presence by almost 15 percent, with Spain presenting itself on a two-tier stand for the first time as a result of large demand. Further destinations featuring notably larger stands are Estonia, the Canary Islands, Croatia, Norway, Austria, Poland and Czechia. Overseas destinations with increased exhibition space are Korea and Seoul, Macao, Namibia and Taiwan. Larger stands were also booked by BMW World, Costa Rica, Gondwana DMC, Inspiration Riga, Japan, Serbia and Cyprus.
Visitors interested in exhibitors from North and South America and the Caribbean will find major representations of the Dominican Republic, Canada, New York City, Philadelphia and Texas. For the first time, Las Vegas, too, will be exhibiting alongside its partners and has doubled its stand size accordingly.
