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Hosted buyer programme

Join the IMEX hosted buyer programme

Be our guest at IMEX Frankfurt. You'll enjoy everything IMEX has to offer plus free travel and accommodation, exclusive social opportunities and VIP treatment.

Could I be a hosted buyer?
 

If you regularly plan or commission international events or incentive travel programmes - and you're coming to IMEX with business in mind, you can apply to join our hosted buyer programme. Our uniquely flexible hosted buyer programme is designed for event professionals just like you.
 

What you'll receive as a hosted buyer

Free travel and accommodation

Free travel and accommodation

As a hosted buyer, you'll enjoy:
  • Free flights
  • Free accommodation
  • The knowledge that we're taking care of the details
  • Attendance is free too of course—and there are no cancelation fees or fines
Flexible appointment scheduling

Flexible appointment scheduling

IMEX offers the most flexible hosted buyer program in the world. You're in control of your meetings. Meet with:
  • Exhibitors from hotel groups, event tech providers, convention bureaus
  • Airline and travel providers
  • Event management agencies
Free professional development

Free professional development

From education tailored to your specialism at:
  • Association Leadership Forum, Executive Meeting Forum and Corporate Focus
  • To expert insight at drop-in education throughout the show
Exclusive lounge access

Exclusive lounge access

Exclusively for hosted buyers, our Hosted Buyer Lounge is designed to help you:
  • Recharge, relax and refresh
  • Catch up with calls and with fellow hosted buyers and to meet our friendly Hosted Buyer Team—there to answer any questions you have

What we ask in return

As a hosted buyer you have flexibility, but you must commit to pre-scheduling meetings with our exhibitors. We recommend a minimum of 6-8 daily. These should be mainly 1-2-1 meetings but can include group appointments and stand presentations. We also ask that don’t leave the show early, i.e., after lunch, but to stay for each full day of your hosted program.

About meetings

We regularly check that buyers are making and attending their meetings (on average IMEX buyers plan 16+ meetings during their time at the show.)

11,764
participants in 2023
57,700
meetings in 2023
3,059
hosted buyers in 2023
11,764
participants in 2023
57,700
meetings in 2023
3,059
hosted buyers in 2023

How can I be a hosted buyer?

Applying to be a hosted buyer

 

Around 300 of our exhibitors invite their key clients to come to IMEX as hosted buyers (we call these exhibitors ‘intermediaries’). So, if you receive an invitation from one of them, and you’d like to be a hosted buyer:

  • Follow the link they've sent you

  • Create your IMEX account

  • Use the unique code to join their hosted buyer group
     

If you prefer you can also register with us direct.

Hosted buyer qualifying criteria


All hosted buyers must: 

  • Be responsible for researching, organising, influencing or making budgetary decisions for international events (outside their home country)
  • Have three confirmed or planned events taking place in the next three years
  • Be coming to the show with purchasing power
  • Be at the show for the duration of their hosted buyer programme
  • Book meetings with exhibitors using our online system

Hosted buyer meetings

All buyers commit to setting up six to eight 30-minute meetings per day direct with exhibitors using our Exhibitor Directory and online meeting system.

Coming to IMEX from a corporate organisation?

If you need to justify attending IMEX to your manager, our Convince your Boss Toolkit helps build the case:

Convince your boss email - coming soon
IMEX Frankfurt expenses - coming soon
Benefits of attending IMEX Frankfurt - coming soon
Letter to compliance department - coming soon

Definition of a meeting
A 30-minute meeting with an exhibitor booked by you, the buyer.

We also make appointments for groups of buyers to attend exhibitor presentations - and some exhibitors offer presentations at certain times that you can book in to. See these as your opportunity to explore new ideas and destinations.

57,700 meetings were held at IMEX 2023 - they are the lifeblood of our show.
Meetings for hosted buyers
Hosted buyers are in charge of their schedule at IMEX, but must commit to holding meetings with our exhibitors. We recommend a minimum of 6-8 daily. These should be mainly 1-2-1 meetings but can include group appointments and stand presentations.
How meetings are set up
And who can make them?

All buyers can set up meetings, whether you are a hosted buyer or a visitor buyer.

Around four weeks before the show, and once you’ve received your welcome email, you’ll be able to log in, search our exhibitor directory and book meetings directly with exhibitors.




"It's about meeting new suppliers and hoteliers, but it's also about seeing my friends in the industry, and peers and colleagues. I have a global team but I'm based in the US, so it's good to see my team in person too!"

Beau Balin, Global Market Leader, CWT Meetings & Events US

Any questions? Check our hosted buyer guides and help pages or contact us: 

Call: +44 (0) 1273 227311

Email: hosted@imexevents.com 
Alan Ford
Alan Ford
Operations Manager, Hosted Buyer Programme
Maria Gaillez
Maria Gaillez
Relationship Manager
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