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.
Should I be a hosted buyer?
If you'd like a VIP experience with free travel and free accommodation while you're at the show, and can commit to making appointments with our exhibitors, then the answer has to be yes!
All the reasons why
Free and easy travel and accommodation
Enjoy free flights (from Europe and long-haul too if you are coming as part of a hosted buyer group), free accommodation and the knowledge that we are taking care of the details. Attendance is free too of course – and there are no cancellation fees or fines.
Flexible appointment scheduling
We run the most flexible hosted buyer programme in the world, and as an IMEX hosted buyer you have complete flexibility to meet who you wish to.
Mutual commitment
Your commitment is to make appointments with exhibitors using our online system (six to eight per day). Our commitment is to help you have highly productive meetings, build rewarding relationships (and have a fabulous IMEX experience too!).
Global contacts and connections
Boost your contact book through an endless array of social events, hosted dinners and industry gatherings. Your hosted buyer status is your ticket to the best parties in town.
Free professional development
From education tailored to your specialism at our Association Focus, Agency Directors Forum and Exclusively Corporate events, to expert insight at drop-in education throughout the show, IMEX is your inside track to the latest industry trends, knowledge and innovation.
Exclusive lounge access
Exclusively for hosted buyers, our Hosted Buyer Lounge is designed to help you recharge, relax and refresh. Catch up with calls, with fellow hosted buyers, and with our friendly Hosted Buyer Team - there to answer any questions you might have.
9,300
participants in 2022
42,000
1-2-1 pre-scheduled appointments in 2022
2,268
hosted buyers in 2022
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, and use the unique code to join their hosted buyer group.
If you prefer you can also register with us direct.
We'll check your registration and let you know if you've been approved as a hosted buyer. This takes around 10 working days. If you don't meet our qualifying criteria, we'll invite you to register as a visitor buyer instead.
Find out more about how our hosted buyer programme works including how to make appointments and travel reimbursements.
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 appointments with exhibitors using our online system (we recommend between six and eight appointments per day, although you're welcome to make more!)
Hosted buyer appointments
All buyers commit to making six to eight 30-minute appointments per day direct with exhibitors using our Exhibitor Directory and online appointment system. Hosted buyers can also join group appointments (scheduled by us) or exhibitor presentations (a great way to explore new destinations and ideas). As an approved buyer, four weeks before the show you'll be able to log in to your IMEX account and make appointments. Once you're signed up - we'll guide you through every step.
All about appointments
Convince your boss toolkit
If you need to justify attending IMEX to your manager, our Convince your Boss Toolkit helps build the case:
Convince your boss email
IMEX Frankfurt expenses
Benefits of attending IMEX Frankfurt
Letter to compliance department
All buyers commit to making six to eight 30-minute appointments per day direct with exhibitors using our Exhibitor Directory and online appointment system. Hosted buyers can also join group appointments (scheduled by us) or exhibitor presentations (a great way to explore new destinations and ideas). As an approved buyer, four weeks before the show you'll be able to log in to your IMEX account and make appointments. Once you're signed up - we'll guide you through every step.
All about appointments
Convince your boss toolkit
If you need to justify attending IMEX to your manager, our Convince your Boss Toolkit helps build the case:
Convince your boss email
IMEX Frankfurt expenses
Benefits of attending IMEX Frankfurt
Letter to compliance department
"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
Definition of an appointment
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.
Close to 42,000 1-2-1 appointments were made at IMEX 2022 - they are the lifeblood of our show.
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.
Close to 42,000 1-2-1 appointments were made at IMEX 2022 - they are the lifeblood of our show.
Appointments for hosted buyers
Hosted buyers are in charge of their schedule at IMEX, but must commit to making appointments with our exhibitors. We ask that you come to the show with business in hand and spend complete days on the show floor.
How are appointments made
And who can make them?
All buyers can make appointments, 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 make appointments directly with exhibitors.
All buyers can make appointments, 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 make appointments directly with exhibitors.
Sarah Lloyd
Director of Hosted Buyer Programmes
Maria Gaillez
Relationship Manager