Free Wild Card Space
Click here to download the 2009 Wild Card Application Form
How the Programme Works
Each winning destination receives free exhibition space within the Wild Card Pavilion, as well as discounted air fares, two complimentary hotel rooms for three nights in Frankfurt, plus free tickets to the IMEX Gala Dinner.The winners also benefit from marketing support to assist them in presenting their destination to the audience of international buyers at the show.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for a winning place, Wild Card entrants have to justify their potential as a brand new meetings and incentive travel destination or (new for 2009) a new convention and conference centre from a new and emerging destination.
None are permitted to have exhibited at a major meetings or incentive travel trade fair before. They also have to demonstrate that they have the commitment and capacity to handle new business and that their destination has the infrastructure to support the demands of the meetings and incentive travel market.
2008 Winners
Armenia and Torun in Poland were two destinations new to the international meetings market who exhibited for the first time at IMEX 2008 as part of the Wild Card programme.
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ArmeniaFormerly part of the Soviet Union, Armenia is now an independent country. It lies along the Great Silk Route and reflects a long history of mixed Turkish and Persian influences. Infrastructure investment is now allowing Armenia to develop its meetings and incentive travel industry services. |
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Torun, PolandTorun is known as 'the beautiful city' which already welcomes one million tourists each year. A prominent trade centre in the Middle Ages, much of its medieval architecture has been preserved thanks to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city can currently host events for up to 1,000 delegates and has a growing reputation as a centre for science, medicine and new technology. |
Click here to view the German Wild Card winners