Attending IMEX
for the first time
Top tips when attending IMEX for the first time
We’ve put together some top tips for coming to IMEX: from a pre-show webinar, to meeting you on the show floor, to restaurant recommendations.
has to offer
Where to start
Ensure you have plenty of business cards, or a digital version. Update your LinkedIn profile and contact details.
Register for our 'Attending IMEX for the first time' webinar. You can meet other first-time attendees, chat to us and ask any questions.
Make sure you register and add to your schedule. We recommend you register for our First Timers Meet Up and put From Fear to Fun, Overcoming First Timer’s Anxiety with live experience designer, Michael Badelt in your schedule.
2. Know what you want from IMEX
Set some targets for yourself and know why you’re going. Perhaps you want to find new suppliers or destinations, learn about the latest event tech and trends, or grow your contact book?
Once you know why you’re going, you can put together your elevator pitch. This should cover:
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Who: Introduce yourself
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Where: Explain your company and what it does
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What: Describe what you can offer as a solution
If you're a buyer, you're going to do business. Our exhibitor directory (available 6 weeks before the show) is intuitive, easy to search and highly visual and there to help you squeeze maximum value from your #IMEXperience.
3. Book your travel and accommodations
Here you can find out about traveling and staying in Frankfurt—we partner with HotelMap for some great rates on local accommodations.
Planning your time at the show
Prepare for your meetings and let the exhibitors know your intentions beforehand so each meeting is tailored to you.
5. Attend education and activities
We have over 150 free education sessions. Take your pick of sessions and add them to your schedule.
We recommend Wonder Walks. Robert Dunsmore leads a show floor nature-scape walk, to find moments of wonder and to explore our affinity with the natural environment.
When: 12:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
6. Young Stars and Rising Talent
If you’re in your first, second or third year of an event planning role, add our Young Stars and Rising Talent education sessions to your schedule.
Young Stars: Let's Talk Social Impact, powered by MICE Impact, auf Deutsch
Young Stars: Let's Talk SDGs - wie die UN Nachhaltigkeitsziele uns Orientierung und Leitlinie sein können, powered by MICE Impact
Rising Talent: START Summit - Behind the scenes of Europe’s largest student-run conference
Rising Talent: Shaping the future of our industry, one mentor at a time
7. Give yourself some free time
Network like a pro
With your IMEX account, everything is in one place. If you're attending as a buyer, you can book meetings with exhibitors, see a full attendee list, plan which education and events to attend, and message other attendees.
9. Embrace the social side
There’s a great social scene at IMEX, so embrace it.
There are lots of exhibitor events on the show floor, plus many other networking activities to take part in—from the IMEXrun in the morning, to the Gala Dinner in the evening.
Check out what's on
Getting the most out of IMEX
Make use of the floorplan—it's available now in the app. If you're a buyer, we suggest you book meetings that are close together, so you’re not walking from one end of the exhibition to the other. Top tip: wear comfortable shoes.
Look out for updates on a welcome meet up for first timers at the show. More details to follow.
Our friendly IMEX team will be on the show floor to guide you if you need any help.
You'll find us at the information desks and in key areas of the show. Come and say hello.
Plan well, have fun and be open to meeting new people. If you have any questions before you arrive you can check our FAQs or contact us.
Top tips from the IMEX team
Check out our team’s top restaurant recommendations in Frankfurt.
Call: +44 (0) 1273 227311
