10th Anniversary Souvenir Special

years

10th Anniversary Souvenir Special

of excellence

10Sponsored by

Some wishes come true,like fabulous events in Istanbul...Happy 10th Anniversary!

Advertorial10th Anniversary Souvenir Special

Disneyland Paris wishes IMEX a happy 10th anniversary (… by the way we’re celebrating too!)

AS the IMEX team knows, everybody “loves”having a party. As IMEX celebrates 10 yearsof excellence, Disneyland Paris is

celebrating its 20th birthday in 2012. And so doesBusiness Solutions, the team dedicated toorganising professional events.

Beyond the spectacular festivities that began on April12th, it’s an opportunity to look back on the first twodecades of Business Solutions and turn the spotlight onthe business tourism market, present and future.

Although Disneyland Paris is perhaps best known as aleisure destination, it is actually Europe’s biggestintegrated professional events venue. And yet, with1,000 events, 100,000 room nights and more than140,000 participants every year, plus a 97% clientssatisfaction rate*, it’s not magic but the know-how of240 experts that makes it all happen!

Like IMEX, Business Solutions, Disneyland Paris, hasenjoyed impressive growth since it opened. And like IMEX,its success has been driven by responding to thechanging requirements of clients in the meetings andevents sector.

Since the first event was hosted in 1992, BusinessSolutions – Disneyland Paris has been constantly honingits professional events expertise. Specialist teams areskilled in every imaginable area, including audiovisual andtechnical services, conference catering, security, design,logistic and event coordination. Thanks to the expertise,professionalism and dedication of the team, you areguaranteed a unique experience! ■

IT’S GREAT WHEN YOUCELEBRATE

We are proud of our Business Solutions teams whoseexpertise offers our clients the opportunity to experiencebusiness differently. I would also like to thank our public-sector partners who have accompanied us through thesefirst 20 years and with whom we hope to continue creatingsensational professional events in the future.

Eloi Courcoux, Director, Business Solutions

© Disney

The new spectacular show Disney Dreams!

*Survey commissioned by Business Solutions – Disneyland Paris, carried out between October 2010 and September 2011.

Ray BloomChairman,

IMEX Group

IT’S a chance to look back over the last 10 years of IMEX in Frankfurt and the industry, and toreflect on all the changes we’ve witnessed and experienced. Through the tremendoussupport that IMEX has received we have been able to play a central role in promoting and

driving many positive industry initiatives over the years.

As you know, every year we strive to produce anexhibition that exceeds the business, education andnetworking requirements of all IMEX participants. Inworking to build an incrementally better show eachyear we’ve also had the privilege of working withsome excellent suppliers and partners from all overthe world and I’d like to take this opportunity tothank them for their wonderful support. IMEX’spartners are, in many ways, the bedrock of theshow’s success. Their experience has also allowedus, for example, to take best practice from greenmeetings or the latest educational techniques, andto incorporate that into the show for the benefit ofall our participants. IMEX is always open to newideas and we intend to keep it that way. Finally, one of the pleasures of working in this

global industry is the opportunity we all enjoy tolearn about other countries, their cultures, theirpeople and their ambitions. In so doing, lifelongfriendships are often formed. So, I look forward toseeing many friends and colleagues this week andalso to meeting and welcoming lots of new faces,perhaps even the future leaders of our industry?Looking back is all very well but it’s the future thatholds the most promise and that’s where we willcontinue to focus our best efforts.

Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX [email protected]

Time to celebrateStarting at 17:00 on Wednesday 23 May, exhibitorswill be turning up the music, laying on theentertainment and handing out drinks and canapésat our very special birthday party – IMEXCelebration Hour.

Björn Again backWe are delighted to welcome back dance-floorfillers and crowd-pleasers, Björn Again, as ourheadline act for the Gala Dinner at the fabulousAlte Oper (starting at 19:15 on Wednesday 23May). There will be some surprise acts too, but ifwe told you who they were, they wouldn’t be asurprise! Tickets are still available for purchase onthe IMEX stand F772.

10 years in picturesLook out for our graphic panels in the cafés on theshow floor which tell the story of the last 10 yearsin graphics and pictures (plus see our Green and10 year timelines here on pages 9 and 27).

Power of 10The results of the Power of 10 study, conducted byFast Future Research, will be presented during theshow and include personal interviews with 100industry professionals – 10 from each of 10industry sectors. It will also lay bare the findingsfrom our global online survey. Presentations takeplace at 16:00 on Wednesday 23 May and 08:45on Thursday 24 May plus you can meet the FastFuture Research team in the Inspiration CentreG620 and pick up a summary of the findings.

IMEX on TVHelping to bring our 10th anniversary show to lifeis IMEX TV – new in Frankfurt following thesuccess of our TV coverage for IMEX America –watch out for our roving reporters on the show floor(for your chance to shine!). Brought to you by CNTV.Sponsored by Iguassu Falls.

imex-frankfurt.com/whatson

TIME FLIES WHEN...

...YOU’RE HAVING FUN!

We hope you enjoy this special 10th Anniversary Souvenir Issue.

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OUR 10th anniversary gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate and to say thanks to allthose individuals, associations and companies that have played their part in the show’ssuccess. Look out for the following anniversary events and initiatives at the show:

THE IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum programme has seen over 5,000 students take partin Forums around the world since its launch back in 2003 – receiving first-hand educationand insight from industry leaders and setting them on their way in the meetings industry. To

celebrate 10 years of the programme we caught up with past attendees already making greatstrides in the industry to see what taking part in the programme had meant to them.

IMEX: What are your lasting memories of theprogramme?

Roger: Excitement, a first connection to theindustry but also a sense of competitionsurrounded by hundreds of other keen studentslooking to break into the industry.

Stefanie: The face-to-face talks with industryleaders; hearing their views and being able to askdirect questions was invaluable.

Andrew: I was impressed by the stellar line-up ofspeakers who came from all sectors of the globalmeetings industry, however my fondest memorywas the fantastic people that I met, many of whomI have kept in touch with.

Krzysztof: A big show, many countries and onlyone student from Poland. This was the moment Idecided that my career as a folklore danceinstructor should end!

IMEX: How did you get your current job?

Antti: After the Forum, I became an active memberof my local MPI chapter, eventually ending up as astudent member of the Chapter Board. Myexperience gave me the opportunity to join the MPIteam as an intern and I was then offered apermanent contract.

Stefanie: Via a recruitment agency ad - althoughby the time my CV was forwarded the job hadalready gone, I was invited for interview on thestrength of my CV and a new position was createdfor me.

Andrew: After graduation I worked with aVancouver PCO, providing freelance support forconference and incentive planners. On returning toToronto I enrolled in an environmental studiesmaster’s programme, launching my own London-based company – E3 Strategy in 2010 - whichprovides sustainability research, training andsupport for business events.

FANTASTIC FUTURE LEADERS

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The panel included:

• Antti Lumiainen, member services coordinator,EMEA, MPI (Meeting Professionals International)– Future Leader in 2009, attending the Forum atMPI EMEC in Turin as well as at IMEX in Frankfurt

• Paola O. Silk, event logistics coordinator,International Centre, Ontario – Future Leader in2010, attending the Forum at MPI WEC inVancouver

• Roger Simons, CMP, manager, CSR & sustainableevents, MPI – Future Leader at the inauguralevent in 2003

• Stefanie Thiele, sales and operations executive,FM Brooks, UK – Future Leader in 2010, attendingthe Forum at MPI EMEC in Düsseldorf as well asat IMEX in Frankfurt

• Andrew Walker, MES, managing director, E3Strategy, UK – Future Leader in 2004, attendingMPI PEC in Edinburgh and IMEX in Frankfurt

• Krzysztof Celuch CMM, CITE, manager, PolandCVB – Future Leader in 2003 attending IMEX inFrankfurt


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IMEX: How much was finding it down to luck,or can you share any job-hunting tips?

Antti: Luck and timing were definitely involved, butI would say that most important aspects were theconnections that I made at and after the Forum.

Paola: It was down to perseverance, dedicationand hard work. My best job-hunting tip is believe inyourself and never give up.

Roger: Network, sell yourself and go directly forwhat you want. Jobs won’t fall into your lap but ifyou build the right experience and have a goal youcan get there.

Andrew: My number one tip is to master the art ofnetworking. So get involved… join an industryassociation, volunteer on a committee and showothers what you’re made of.

IMEX: Is there one piece of advice you wouldgive to any young person trying to break intothe industry right now?

Antti: I recommend any Future Forum attendees toreally go out there and connect with other

attendees. So basically it’s always better if peoplego to the Forum alone and not in groups, becauseit’s easier to make new connections when youdon’t have your safety net with you.

Stefanie: Demonstrate your willingness to be anactive part of the industry. Joining an associationlike MPI is a good starting point. All in all, enjoybecoming part of this industry – it’s a great one.

Andrew: Remember that you can learn somethingfrom every job, even ones you dislike because theywill help you to figure out what you really want fromyour life and career.

IMEX: Any other comments?

Antti: Taking part in the programme showed methat I am in the industry I want to be in. Theprogramme really shows students the reality of theindustry they are entering. Even if you knowafterwards that “OK, this isn’t what I’m looking for”,at least you KNOW. That’s the beauty of it.

Paola: Being a scholarship recipient andexperiencing the Forum first hand was a pricelessexperience. It gave me a lot of confidence about mycareer goals and it looks great on my resumé.

Krystof: As an organiser of the Future LeadersForum in Warsaw I truly believe this is the perfecttool to support young people. But young peoplealso need to do more, not just say but DO! ■

imex-frankfurt.com/futureleaders

The programme really shows students the reality ofthe industry they are entering.

Haven’t you heard? The sun shines brighter over our destinations!

Check it out... Come and meet us at stand #F230

followoursun.comaimgroupinternational.com

Business is Pleasure

TO BOOK YOUR MARINA BAY SANDS EXPERIENCE10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956 | +65 6688 3000 | [email protected]|marinabaysands.com

Advanced technologies will never replace face-to-face interactions, a handshake, a conversation or an idea shared. And there’s no better place to share ideas than at Marina Bay Sands®, Asia’s largest and most flexible meeting and convention space.

Pulsating with life day and night, Marina Bay Sands offers sensational experiences from the culinary wizardry of “Asia’s Dining Destination”, the most coveted brands of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands®, award-winning Broadway musicals, the iconic ArtScience Museum and ultra slick nightclubs Avalon and Pangaea.

Awarded Asia’s Best MICE Hotel by CEI Asia for two consecutive years, Marina Bay Sands combines decades of Las Vegas Sands experience with its own brand of personal touch – global in scope, intimate in detail. It’s never business as usual, it’s business done right.

Log on to marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Conventions to view our competitive meeting packages and promotions and book your Sands Meeting today.

Visit us at the Singapore Pavilion at IMEX Frankfurt

Our green timeline shows when each of our green initiatives was introduced. As you can see we’ve been building on themeach year but we’re always open to new green ideas. imex-frankfurt.com/sustainability

10 YEARS OF IMEX SUSTAINABILITY

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2003• Recycling bins placed throughout the show.

• Waste paper recycled to produce the daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ).• Non-recyclable waste incinerated to create energy for the local community.

• Show caterers use washable crockery and metal cutlery. • 95% recyclable polypropylene carpets used on the show floor.

• Leftover flower arrangements donated to local hospitals.• Surplus food donated to homeless charities.

• Social responsibility stand run by Louise Hall-Reider Co.• Sustainability awards launched.

2007• Green Supplier Award launched.

• Green audit conducted of all IMEX support systems.

2008• IMEX first exhibition in sector to use biodegradable/recyclable badges.

• IMEX first guest exhibition at Messe Frankfurt to use green energy.• Participants encouraged to travel

by train using Deutsche Bahndiscounts.

• IMEX participants travelling by airasked to carbon offset.

• Anti-idling policy on all buses,majority of hosted buyer buses

switch to bio-diesel.• Frankfurt walking map encourages participants to walk to show.

• Association Day delegate bags produced from jute and coconut shell. • Stricter waste and disposal policies

introduced for stand constructors. • Fairmont Hotels & Resorts win the

first Green Supplier Award. • Carbon Consultancy audit shows

reduction in carbon emissions of6.3%.

2009• Hydroelectricity made available for all exhibitors.

• Plant silk badge lanyardsintroduced – a completely organic

product of waste grain fibres. • Twice-daily green workshops led by

GMIC and Positive Impact.

2004• Corporate Responsibility Centre launched, supported by IHEI, Oceans Blue

Foundation and Louise Hall-Reider Co. • IMEX donates 1 Euro to UNICEF for every visitor attending.

2005• Green Exhibitor Awardlaunched.• In partnership with GMICsustainability awardsrebranded as IMEX GreenAwards.• Waste cardboard from theshow donated to a localshoebox manufacturer.

2006• GMIC partners with IMEX to run theCorporate Responsibility Centre.• All IMEX staff travel carbon offset. • All waste paper, plastic and otherwaste material sorted and recycled,with just 15% sent for incineration.• Sri Lankan Convention Bureau,together with stand builders

Expoforce GmbH, wins the first Green Exhibitor Award.

2010• New drop-in green workshops run throughout the show to meet the increased

demand for green education. • IMEX Green Team launched toencourage exhibitors to reduce wasteand use hydroelectricity. • First IMEX Challenge sees 22meetings industry professionalsdevote 325 hours of manual labourover three days to benefit a Polishfoster family.

2011• Badge recycling bins introduced throughout the hall. • New ‘Share Your Spares' initiative introduced to collect USBs for schools in India. • Waste reduced by 28% from 2009.

2012• Corporate Responsibility Centre rebranded as the Sustainability Hub ‘powered

by GMIC’.• Green ‘campfire’ educational sessions introduced.• Badge-back initiative to benefit local charities.• IMEX Green Team expanded to include hosted buyers and visitors • 2nd IMEX Challenge to take place in Slovenia in July.imex-frankfurt.com/sustainability

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Sir Rocco Forte, chairman, Rocco Forte Hotels

Rocco Forte Hotels has been attending IMEX for the last ten years, bringing clients from markets such asGermany, Switzerland, Italy, France, the UK and Russia. A big part of our customer base is pan-Europeanand this is what IMEX is all about. For the last three years, we have also brought over a group from the US,a key market for us and for the first time this year, we will also have a group from Brazil, an emergingmarket for us.

Over the past 10 years we have developed hotels with strong MICE facilities such as Verdura Golf & SpaResort in Sicily and most recently with our first hotel in the Middle East, Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi.

With this segment making up approximately one third of our business, IMEX has been key to RoccoForte Hotels. It is the only MICE trade show where we are present with a corporate stand. The location ofthe show also is also key for us. One of our three German hotels, Villa Kennedy, is located in Frankfurt andwe will be hosting over 300 buyers from across the globe at the hotel during IMEX this year.

Enrique Meyer, Minister of Tourism Argentina, and president of INPROTUR

I’d like to congratulate IMEX Group for accomplishing its 10th IMEX show this year. It’s been and it still is agreat pleasure to have the opportunity of participating in the show and, undoubtedly, it is a ‘must’ as partof the marketing plan of Argentina’s National Institute of Tourism Promotion.

Tourism is a governmental priority in Argentina and that’s why we are working as a public-privatepartnership in a context where Argentina positions itself as a meeting destination, not only for itsbreathtaking landscapes, but also for its six contrasting tourist regions, first class infrastructure and, aboveall, professional organisers and quality services. We chose IMEX for our promotion worldwide and we willcontinue choosing it.


HAPPY ANNIVERSARY IM

Share your thoughts on IMEX’s first 10 years@IMEX_Group on Twitter (use #IMEX12)

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Hugo Slimbrouck, director of strategic partnerships, Ovation

To me IMEX has meant ten years of continuous quality in delivery, and is the reason why I never missed a day. This is themeetings industry marketplace where the organisers always listened to their clients: exhibitors, hosted buyers and visitorsalike and adapted and improved continuously. People meeting people is important to Bloom & company and that is theessence in an industry that thrives on face to face communication.

In the past 10 years the meetings industry became more professional and gathered more political profile thanks to theIMEX Politicians Forum. Education in our industry grew more professional thanks to all the educational sessions organisedaround the show. And IMEX brought education to the younger generations and even to educational institutions anduniversities around the world.

Eloi Courcoux, director of Business Solutions, Disneyland Paris

As a major player in the MICE industry, we naturally take part in IMEX to meet prospects, hosted buyers and clients andnetwork with industry experts. IMEX gives us the opportunity to meet an international audience. We are able to provide

solutions to events of all kinds, so IMEX is the perfect platform to present the benefits of Disneyland Paris.

This year, we also celebrate an anniversary - 20 years of expertise. We host 1,000 events per year, and we have noticedclients expect more value than ever. To win business, we have to be even more responsive and able to produce events for

tighter budgets. Engaging with our clients is crucial. Taking part in IMEX gives us the opportunity to be attentive to the market.It’s always a great time to look at the evolution of the MICE industry and take on board how we can deliver more value to our

clients in the future.

Elif Balcı Fisunoglu, general manager, Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau

I remember the first edition of IMEX Frankfurt very well. We were all very excited about the show and anxious to see whether itwould be successful or not. Our stand was 150m2 and due to the great success our stand space has been increased to 400m2.

We have become one big family. Here I would also like to mention the outstanding collaboration of IMEX and the friendshipof the IMEX team. All of them are amazing and before, during and after all the shows they are always available and extremelyhelpful to all the exhibitors. They always listen to our feedback and improve the quality of the show ever year.

There are several successful and important shows within the meeting industry. But from the first year, IMEX has held adifferent position and meaning. Its hosted buyers programme makes it a must to exhibit at this show. Collaboration with theinternational meeting industry associations and investment in the improvement and needs of the meeting industry make it themain international platform for meeting industry professionals from all around the world to gather at least once a year. IMEX isan event where we do business, we see each other and we learn from each other.

Every year we are very excited about the show and we are never disappointed with the appointments and new connectionscreated during the show.

Barbra Steuri-Albrecht, director,Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau

What I really think makes the difference withIMEX over all these years is that most of the

IMEX team members are still part of it. Not onlythat, they are always open to new ideas, ready totry new ways, eager to improve all aspects of the

show every year and, most of all, look after uswith a very personal touch. I always look forward

to going to IMEX not only for the business butalso to see the IMEX team again.

Steven Bonda, manager, Meetings& Conventions, Visit Florida

My standout memory of IMEX is thefirst time I walked into the hall inFrankfurt. I saw what a massive showIMEX is. It was very exciting. I thinkIMEX is an extremely important showfor the industry, putting us in touchwith serious, global planners interestedin Florida as a destination for theirmeetings, conventions and incentivetravel.

Exhibitors share their thoughts on the first 10 yearsEX

Jan Boesen Olsen, CEO, VisitDenmark

In a face-to-face industry, largeinternational trade shows are the ultimatein client engagements. IMEX is theepitome of this notion and a major forcefor the global meetings industry. With IMEXFrankfurt the MICE industry has a stagethat puts northern Europe, and not leastScandinavia, at the top of meetingprofessionals’ minds.

There is an important message inunderlining this industry’s strongcontribution to economic activity and inemphasising how it is a key driving force instimulating economic growth on a globalscale. Business tourism really deserves toget credit for this worldwide, and the Danesare happy to help push in the right direction.

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Gillian Taylor, business tourism manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority

IMEX has consistently delivered increased awareness of a destination product which hasmatured and expanded year-on-year. This year will be no different as we highlight the many

advancements in Abu Dhabi’s tourism proposition which have occurred over the past 12months. We especially appreciate the organised group appointments which allow us to

maximise our investment.A favourite IMEX memory was being awarded an IMEX Academy Award in 2007 at the galadinner with no prior knowledge or any hint of what was happening and being very thankful

that after a long day of appointments and presentations that I had “fluffed and buffed”beforehand when the temptation had been to go straight from the show to the dinner.

MICE has changed hugely in the past 10 years but planners and clients are social animalsand they still have a desire to meet face to face and IMEX provides this platform.

Heike Mahmoud, director conventions, VisitBerlin

Ten years ago in Frankfurt, the Berlin Convention Office represented Germany’scapital at the first IMEX exhibition. At the time, Berlin was a dynamic, up and comingdestination of the international convention industry. In 2002 around 96,000 eventswith six million participants were staged.

Today IMEX is the most important trade exhibition for meetings and incentivesworldwide. It celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2012 and Berlin joins the festivities.During the past ten years the capital has developed into one of the leadinginternational convention metropolises. It now welcomes 115,700 events with 9.7million participants. In the ICCA rankings, Berlin is amongst the top four destinations,up from 11 in 2002.

A lot has changed in 10 years both in Berlin and at IMEX. We wish the team wellfor the next 10 years.


Eric Bakermans, manager marketing meetings & conventions, Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions

IMEX has given us an important and not-to-be-missed European platform to showcase our country as a business eventsdestination. It has definitely claimed its position as a trade show for the business travel and events industry. The IMEXteam has shown real ownership of the show and they have been able to maintain and improve the level of quality over thelast 10 years.

More than 10 years ago I invited both Heather Gough and Paul Flackett over to the Netherlands to inform our partners inHolland about ‘a new show’. At that time, nobody believed that there was room for it in our industry. After that meeting, weinitially bought space for about 12 sharing partners, but we ended up using double that space for 24 Dutch partners. Tenyears later, we have more than 30 companies and 60 people on the Holland meeting point.

Eduardo Chaillo, executive director for the meetings industry, MexicoTourism Board

IMEX has been an incredible platform for Mexican suppliers and destinations inorder to meet, talk and present themselves with international meetingrepresentatives and bring big events to our country. It has also helped Mexico toposition itself as a world class destination. Another great element is thePoliticians Forum that has been a key element to communicate ouraccomplishments beyond our own group of industry friends.

The meetings industry has been forced to demonstrate its value, havingpassed several economic and communication crises, and IMEX has created theplatform to show that face to face encounters are the best and shortest way tostrengthen the economy of destinations. It is a world class trade show.

Rotes Meer RivieraHabu Tempel – Luxor© Egypt Tourist Authorisation

www.egypt.travel

STUTTGARTTHE CITY OF INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS

Tagen zwischen Tradition und Innovation

DIE STADT DER ZÜNDENDEN IDEEN

A conference venue where tradition and innovation merge

Stuttgart Convention Bureau · ICS International Congress C enter StuttgartKultur- und Kongresszentrum Liederhalle · Neckar Forum Esslingen

Forum am Schlosspark Ludwigsburg · Congress Center Böblingen/SindelfingenLe Méridien Stuttgart · Dormero Hotel Stuttgart · Porsche-Museum

Besuchen Sie uns am Stuttgart-Stand.Genießen Sie mit

uns um 15.45 Uhr ein „Viertele vor Vier“ mit Stuttgarter

Weinen und schwäbischen

Spezialitäten.

Visit us at the Stuttgart Stand.Come and join us for

a glass of Stuttgart wine and other Swabian specialities

at 3.45 pm.

[email protected] · www.congress-stuttgart.de

STAND G150Celebrate 10 years of IMEX with us

STEP BACK IN TIME

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IMEX: ‘world scale’

from year one

The new IMEX meetings and incentive travel exhibition,

which takes place in Frankfurt, Germany, April 8-10, will

be a world-scale event from year one. The total display

area will exceed 10,000m2, involving over 2,000 exhibitors

representing at least 100 countries.

Organised by UK-based Ray Bloom and Paul Flackett,

the show is differentiating itself in three ways: its unique

mix of anticipated buyers; an all-industry approach; and

a special focus on the future. There will be attendance by

2,500 ‘hosted buyers’ (who travel and stay free for up to

three nights as guests of the organisers) arriving from 30

markets, together with an estimated 3,000 German deci-

sion-makers interested in overseas destinations. A ‘busi-

ness comes first’ ethos is intended to ensure that suppliers

and visitors gain the maximum value from their time in

Frankfurt. Online registration will drive a planned 20,000

individual appointments with exhibitors, as well as fur-

ther scheduled visits to stands for groups of buyers.

Association Day launchesThe IMEX team responded to market needs by launching ‘Association Day’ on

Monday 7 April. This is being co-ordinated by ICCA in association with AIPC,

IAPCO, ESAE, ASAE and the IACVB. On the day hosted association buyers will have the opportunity to attend a

full afternoon seminar programme. Prestigious keynote speaker, Cyril Ritchie,

president of the Federation of International Institutions in Geneva, will present

on the subject of ‘Connecting people and cultures in a turbulent world: The

changing roles of international associations’. Themes for concurrent sessions

are: ‘Practical security concerns for running international events post 9/11’;

‘Ethical dimensions in international association activity’ and ‘Multicultural is-

sues for international associations.’

with a look at IMEX news stories from 2003 plus views from the 2003 show floor

Organisers of IMEX have now launched anonline virtual exhibition to help meet theongoing needs of show visitors and buyers aswell as the global online business community.The site received six million hits from over34,000 unique users between January andMay 2003 and is expected to continue toreceive high traffic over the summer monthsas travel and events industry professionalsbegin to finalise their budgets and schedulesfor 2004. Launching a Virtual Exhibition was also

one of the major commitments made byIMEX chairman, Ray Bloom, when he firstannounced the new show two years ago. Hesays: "I've long been convinced that there isan opportunity to forge stronger linksbetween buyers and suppliers once thephysical show was over. Given the fantastictechnology now available to us, it's crucial tooffer clients and contacts all over the worldthe chance to maintain contact helping themto build profitable new partnerships anddevelop new business opportunities."

New 'Virtual IMEX' goes live

IMEX opens door to meetings industry students

Organisers of IMEX this week launched their Future Leaders initiative for young people

in the global meetings industry. The initiative, the first of its kind on a worldwide scale,

aims to give 150 specially selected students the opportunity to attend the show and to

participate in a day-long workshop led by some of the industry’s best-known and most

respected names. ‘Future Leaders’ is intended to give students a unique opportunity to

immerse themselves in industry knowledge and to increase their understanding from a

global perspective.

The majority of students are expected to come from Germany. Thanks to IMEX’s close

partnership with MPI, 50 students will also be invited to attend PEC-Europe in Berlin,

which takes place just a few days prior to IMEX. This hand-picked group will then be

transported on a specially chartered train to Frankfurt for the start of the forum. Says

Tom Hulton, IMEX director of international relations: “Initiatives such as Future Lead-

ers are what set IMEX apart. This is a statement of our intent to drive the industry for-

ward and to focus on improvement, innovation and collaboration. These young people

can help challenge outdated methods and ways of thinking, helping to broaden under-

standing and knowledge for all of us.”

What they thought in 2003“It was a great show with quality built intoeverything. The word in the aisles was very positiveand testimony to the efforts of the IMEX team.”Frank J. Katusak, executive director, SiteFoundation

“I’ve worked on countless exhibitions in the UK,Europe and USA and the first day at IMEX was thebusiest I can ever recall.”Terry Ellacott, international sales & marketing,Hunt & Palmer International

“The quality of buyers was outstanding. We havespecific enquiries from IMEX that value £14 million,equivalent to 70,000 room nights to thedestination.”Scott Taylor, marketing director, GreaterGlasgow & Clyde Valley Tourist Board

“IMEX set the stakes really high… we all expectedgreat things… we got them.”Linda Pereira, executive director, CPL EventsPortugal

“Success seems to have been met on all fronts:space sold, number of hosted buyers, the ‘look andfeel’ of the event and judging from my ownconversations with exhibitors and buyers, greatsatisfaction on the part of all.”John Burt, director, United Kingdom andIreland, HelmsBriscoe International


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Juliane Heinicke at CPO Hanser, our ground handler in Frankfurt, who ensures thesmooth delivery of countless buyers into Messe Frankfurt. Calm, unflappable andable to deal with any request we throw at her… Julianne, if you’re reading thiswe’d like to teleport our buyers next year!

Annette Berz at Messe Frankfurt is our go to person for any stand build issues andis particularly ‘hot’ on fire regulations. The show has seen increasingly ambitiousstand build projects over the years and Annette has been invaluable in helpingthese happen.

“Find Felix!” is a common cry at the show – Felix Schön at System Rent looks afterall onsite AV and is one of our most reliable and helpful suppliers, going out of hisway to help us even if it is non-AV related support we need. He is a true IMEX star.

Lynda Ballard at CEI who helps us – and our exhibitors – negotiate the minefieldthat is European VAT. Super efficient - with an encyclopedic knowledge of tax(that’s a compliment Lynda!).

Mr. Kuhnt at Messe Frankfurt has been making sure our seminar rooms areconsistently spotless and secure for the last 10 years. We request his services yearafter year even though we actually think he officially retired several years ago. Wemight just let him hang up his IMEX hat after IMEX 2020.

Cheating ever so slightly our organising team nominated two people fromEventence, Gabriele Wermelskirchen and Ingmar Stork, for their superb manning ofthe very busy organising counter and the sterling support provided to exhibitors andstand constructors alike during our hugely busy build up and break down periods.

Janette Howland at SeaDream Yacht Club for letting us talk her into co-ordinatingthe huge variety of exhibitors from around the world on the Wild Card Pavilion;helping destinations from Uganda to Rotorua through their first meetings industrytrade show experience.

OUR UNSUNG HEROES

And finally for helping us to shape anddrive the IMEX green agenda – AmySpatrisano at MeetGreen. A trueinspiration to us all, Amy has consistentlyhelped us set – and achieve – our greengoals.

Wonderful Walter Foletti at ExpoforceGmbH for his boundless energy over thelast 10 years – our unofficial promotionsman and superman stand builder. Walter– we salute you!

Gary Grimmer at Gary Grimmer &Company for his tireless ‘pro-bono’support in promoting our Wild Cardprogramme to emerging destinationsaround the world over the last 10 years.Gary, you’re simply great

EACH IMEX in Frankfurt sees a small army of people come together to deliver a successful show.We asked the IMEX team to nominate their top 10 – much debate ensued to narrow it down to thefollowing 10 outstanding individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty every year. In no

particular order our heroes are:

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The first winner of the European Academy Awardwas Anne Wallin Rodven from the Oslo ConventionBureau – notable for her work both for the Bureauand with ICCA (International Congress & ConventionAssociation) and ECM (European Cities Marketing).Arnaldo Nardone from Uruguay picked up theAmericas Academy Award in 2004 highlighting hisefforts to develop the industry in Latin America.Meanwhile, 2008 saw Angeline Lue from SouthAfrica Business Tourism collect the Africa andMiddle East Academy Award for the unerringprofessionalism that she continues to display in herwork in Malaysia with the Kuala Lumpur ConventionCentre. Liu Ping’s remarkable background andachievements saw her take the Asia PacificAcademy Award in 2009. To recognise exceptionalindividuals sometimes we just have to create awhole new category – Walter Foletti picked up aSpecial Recognition – Stand Construction AcademyAward for the outstanding service supplied to ourexhibitors over the years.

The industry’s first and only green awards havealso seen their fair share of exceptionalperformances over the years. Supported by GMIC(Green Meeting Industry Council) the IMEX GreenAwards continue to inspire the industry in itsadoption of environmental responsibility.

Inspirational winners include Easy Event whocollected the Programmes of Purpose Award in2003 for their ‘Give Instead of Take’ programmein Malta, which saw an orphanage beingrefurbished with the support of amongst others,the Maltese Minister for Tourism. The same Award– now renamed as the Commitment to theCommunity Award – went to ComputacenterDistribution (CCD) in 2006 for their incentive tripto Zambia which saw a new teacher’s housebeing built in Mukuni village. 2009 saw the USGreen Building Council pick up its third GreenMeetings Award for the Boston’s GreenbuildConvention. The Switzerland Convention &Incentive Bureau went all out to win the GreenExhibitor Award in 2010, with an FSC certifiedSwiss wooden stand, carbon-neutral promotionalmaterial and all staff travelling to the show bytrain rather than air. DoubleTree Hotel in PortlandOregon’s green achievements ran the gamut froma reduction in carbon footprint of 100 metrictonnes, a reduction in energy consumption of32% and a reduction in waste sent to landfill from97% to 37% making them a very worthy winnerof the Green Supplier Award in 2011.

These were just 10 of our outstanding winnersover the years – here’s the full roll call:

10 WINNING YEARS

IMEX group managing director, Paul Flackett, selects 10inspirational IMEX Award winners from the last 10 years

Paul FlackettManagingDirector,IMEX Group


INTRODUCED to recognise outstanding performance and service to the industry, theAcademy Awards have seen some exceptional individuals step up to the stage inFrankfurt.

Arnaldo Nardone Liu Ping Anne Rodven Wallen

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Academy Awards 2011Samuel Koo, Seoul Convention BureauRick Antonson, Tourism VancouverTrudi Wagner, Marriott HotelsRick Taylor, The Business Tourism CompanyJon Hutchison, Business Events SydneyAcademy Awards 2010Suprabha Moleeratanond, Thailand Convention &Exhibition BureauNik Racic, Croatian Convention Bureau Yussef Husseiny, Jordan Tourism BoardGreg Ortale, Greater Houston Convention & VisitorsBureauAcademy Awards 2009Liu Ping, China Star Professional ProgramsEduardo Chaillo, Mexico Tourism BoardPatrick Delaney, Ovation Global DMCJoseph Sanna, Kenya Tourist BoardAcademy Awards 2008Pieter A Van der Hoeven, PG InternationalConsulting Jane Schuldt, World Marketing Group Barbra Albrecht, Switzerland Convention &Incentive Bureau Angeline Lue, South African Tourism ConventionBureau Walter Foletti, Expoforce AG Academy Awards 2007Pierre Heumann, ANAeGillian Taylor, Abu Dhabi Tourism AuthorityAna Maria Viscalles, Puerto Rico ConventionBureauGary Grimmer, Gary Grimmer & CompanyAcademy Awards 2006Jean Christophe Espinosa, Brunei Tourism Gregory Kurdian, Sunbound Bahamas Alec Gilbert, Durban International ConventionCentre (ICC)Tatjana Radovic, Ljubljana Tourist Board of Slovenia Academy Awards 2005 Bill Fontgivell, Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I, Barcelona Elhamy Elzayat, Emeco Travel, Cairo Eduardo Sanovicz, Reed Travel Exhibitions BrazilAlan Trotter, Conventions & Incentives, NewZealand Maarten Vanneste, Abbit Meeting Support, Belgium Academy Awards 2004 Peggy Lau, Pacific World, Hong Kong Jack Munro, Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board Arnaldo Nardone, Radisson Montevideo Sumaira Isaacs, MCI Dubai, UAE Rob Spalding, Association Meetings International,UKAcademy Awards 2003Anthony Wong, Asian Overland Services Anne Wallin Rodven, Oslo Convention Bureau George Crossland, Africa Reps Jim Germain, USA Hosts

Green Supplier Awards2011 Gold: DoubleTree Hotel Portland 2011 Silver: Vancouver Convention Centre2010 Gold: Adelaide Convention Centre2010 Silver: Brisbane Convention & ExhibitionCentre2009 Gold: Melbourne Convention & ExhibitionCentre2009 Silver: Adelaide Convention Centre2008 Gold: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts2008 Silver: Vancouver Convention & ExhibitionCentre

Commitment to the Community Awards2011: Connect Travel2010: Tourism Toronto2009: WorldEvents 2008: WorldEvents 2007: Marriott International 2006: Computacenter Distribution (CCD) 2005: Los Ninos 2004: Creative Memories 2003: Easy Event

Green Meetings Awards2011 Large: International Aids Society2011 Small/Medium: Canada Media Marketplace2010 Gold: COP15 Logistics and CSMP Team 2010 Silver: Intel Corporation2009 Gold: US Green Building Council (USGBC)2009 Silver: Oracle OpenWorld 2008 Gold: Scandic Hotels2008 Silver: UUA (Unitarian UniversalistsAssociation) 2007 Gold: Globe Foundation of Canada 2007 Silver: DNC Parks and Resorts 2006 Gold: US Green Building Council (USGBC)2006 Silver: The Sierra Club

2005: CERC (Coalition for EnvironmentallyResponsible Conventions) 2004: USGBC (US Green Building Council) 2003: Meeting Strategies Worldwide

Green Exhibitor Awards2011: Frankfurt Convention Bureau2010: Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau2009: Centro de Congressos do Estoril 2008: Malta Tourism Authority 2007: Visit London2006: Sri Lanka and Expoforce

imex-frankfurt.com/awards



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AN important part of IMEX over the years has been its efforts to bring new and excitingdestinations to the attention of MICE buyers. Many of these destinations have benefittedfrom IMEX’s Wild Cards programme which has provided a first step on the ladder to

becoming more high profile meetings destinations.

Wild Cards are emerging destinations that havenever exhibited at a major meetings or incentivetravel fair. Winning entries are provided with freeexhibition space and an event package whichallows them to meet corporate and associationbuyers. It is also an invaluable opportunity forfledgling destinations to meet and network withtheir peers, exchange ideas and pick up valuabletips on destination marketing.

Many past Wild Card exhibitors have returned tothe show as fully fledged exhibitors in their ownright.

IMEX’s Wild Cards of the past 10 years are:

2011Budva, Montenegro (pic 1)Jurmala, LatviaMongolia (pic 2)

2010UgandaMorzine, FranceHof Conference and Cultural Center, Iceland

2009The Cook Islands Novi Sad – Vojvodina, Serbia (pic 3)Tianjin Economic – Technological DevelopmentArea (TEDA), China Masurian Conference Centre Zamek Ryn, Poland

2008ArmeniaTorun, Poland

2007Addis Ababa Tourism Commission, EthiopiaCity of Praia, Cape Verde Islands Corbet-Transair, Mures County, TransylvaniaWestern Siberia

2006Asuncion, Paraguay The Ardenne Bleue region of BelgiumGeorgia (Eastern Europe)Libya, North Africa

2005Timor-Leste, South-East AsiaPau, South West FranceCameroon, Africa Dakar, Senegal

2004Roturua, New ZealandCesky Krumlov Town, Czech RepublicSnowmass Village, ColoradoMali, Africa

2003MozambiqueBig Sky, MontanaIxtapa, MexicoCharleroi, FrancePoznan, Poland

imex-frankfurt.com/wildcard

WILD CARDS OPEN UP THE WORLD

Serbia Convention Bureau was established in 2007and it was the first year we exhibited at the IMEX show.The first year was an ice-breaker for us, and it gave us

a better insight and understanding that IMEX is theplace to be; the place where the major internationalbuyers from the associations, corporate and agency

sectors came to meet and do the business.

Our first IMEX experience was modest, representing afew co-exhibitors coming from Belgrade only. But we

grew stronger and in just several years Serbia hasmanaged to climb the ICCA rankings, now being the

fastest growing meeting destination in Europe. Growingstronger, the Serbia destination stand has grown

bigger, and now we occupy a very nice booth spacewith a dozen co-exhibitors. Our E010 stand has beenattracting attention featuring among other, the latest

trends in applying IT technologies and social media inour meeting industry.

Gradually, another great city, the second largest inSerbia, the city of Novi Sad has emerged and in 2009

it was awarded the IMEX Wild Card. Novi Sad basedacademic organisation the Centre for Tourism

Research and Studies applied for Wild Card. This was awonderful opportunity for a new, fairly unknown

destination to present its meeting and conventioncapacities. Novi Sad is a city famous for its multi-

centralism and tolerance. It boasts one of the newestcongress facilities, breathtaking views from the

magnificent fortress of Petrovaradin, new hotels,authentic cuisine and a very specific vibe.

The benefits and allowances of the IMEX Wild Cardprogramme has brought endless opportunities for

networking and ideas exchange. The best evidence ofthis was that the following year, in 2010, the city of

Novi Sad appeared on ICCA rankings for the first time,and is now climbing its way steadily, becoming the

second MICE destination in Serbia. The establishmentof Novi Sad Convention Bureau in 2010 was a logical

sequence of events.

1

2

3

MilosMilovanovic,CEO, SerbiaConvention

Bureau

Do you need to arrange a meeting, convention or any other type of event at short notice? If so, the Berlin Convention Office is on hand 24/7 to give you all the support you need. We work closely with local partners across the city and can quickly provide you with relevant advice, help and information. With the Berlin Convention Office, you can rest assured that your event is in good hands.

convention.visitBerlin.com

convention.visitBerlin.com

Meeting planners are the real stars in Berlin.We know all there is to know about arranging meetings.

Visit us at IMEX, Booth F-100–44/45

39th IAPCO Annual Seminar onProfessional Congress OrganisationWolfsberg, Switzerland19 – 24 January 2013

Designed for all sectors of the meetings industry,for both new and experienced conference and event plannersProgramme available on www.iapco.org

The 3rd Meetings MasterClassManaging for ResultsWolfsberg, Switzerland21 – 24 January 2013

Designed for all sectors of the meetings industry,for participants with decision-making experienceProgramme available on www.iapco.org

WWW.IAPCO.ORGVisit us on Stand B440 for further informationabout these two educational programmes

On-line registrationnow open

•Early-bird registration deadline

15 October•

New programmes, topics and format –same quality

FROM the outset, innovation, imagination and positive action have been part of IMEX’s reason for being. Here are 10 IMEX initiatives that we feelhave had the most impact over the years; that will continue to drive IMEX forward over the next 10, and most importantly show why we lovewhat we do.

The hosted buyer modelIMEX chairman, Ray Bloom, first devised the hostedbuyer concept back in the 1980s. However, IMEXwas the first show to see such a programme rolledout on a truly international scale.

Co-location plus!The power of one-plus-one-plus-one has alwaysbeen an important part of the IMEX experience. Bybringing other high quality and well-attended eventsto Frankfurt during IMEX – the week has become sopower-packed that it’s hard to miss.

Online DiaryBy giving hosted buyers control – online - over theirown appointments, who they meet, when andwhere, IMEX allows buyers and exhibitors to dobusiness their own way.

Online (and offline) exhibitor training and supportOver the past few years, IMEX has offered extensivetraining – both online and in person – that hashelped exhibitors to get so much more from theirparticipation at the show.

Green AwardsAnother first of which we are enormously proud.Acknowledging the industry’s efforts – both large andsmall – to reduce its environmental impact has beenrichly rewarding and educational over the years.

Wild Card ProgrammeIn our desire to see the industry flourish and growall over the world, we have always been happy tochampion a good cause and what better is therethan giving a free marketing platform to a new oremerging destination?

Association Day

One of IMEX’s greatest successes – by tailoringeducation and networking to the specific needs ofassociation meeting executives, we have been ableto attract increasingly large numbers (typically 11%of all hosted buyers) to the show.

Politicians Forum

IMEX’s efforts to bring politicians together withindustry representatives and to use the show as a‘living showcase’ of the industry have neverwaivered. We all know there can be no let-up in thisdialogue and IMEX is pleased to play its part.

Education, education, education!

Our education programme has steadily increased insize and scope from around 30 seminars at our firstshow to over 100 educational events in 2012. Fromshort drop in sessions and one to ones on the showfloor to in-depth workshops led by experts in theirfields, there is something for everyone at IMEX.

The IMEX Challenge

With the IMEX Challenge we’ve found a fresh way tomobilise industry professionals to create a lastinglegacy in a needy local community, to have fun and,in the process, remember what a brilliant industrywe are all privileged to work in.

10 YEARS OF BRIGHT IDEAS

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10th Anniversary Souvenir SpecialCAIRNS ~ GREAT BARRIER REEF ~ AUSTRALIA

Serious Business in Australia’s Most Stunning Location

Convenient : National and International Airport 10 minutesfrom the City and Convention Centre.

Cost Effective : Extensive business events infrastructurewith more cost effective ground arrangements than acapital city. 7,000 hotel rooms from budget to five starwithin easy walking distance of the Convention Centre.

Teamwork : Cairns suppliers are renowned for workingtogether to deliver successful events.

World’s Best Congress Centre : Cairns Convention Centreconsistently ranks in the top four convention centres in theworld in the International Association of Congress Centres(AIPC) Apex Award.

Aspirational Destination : Cairns is one of the mostaspirational leisure destinations in the world with over 600tours departing daily.

www.businesseventscairns.org.au |www.cairnsconvention.com.au |

serious business… stunning location

THE Past 10 years have seen huge changes in the meetings industry, which IMEX has triedto incorporate and lead. From technology to green thinking, the developments it hasencapsulated demonstrate that 10 years have created a sector that is radically different to

the one of 2003.

What hasn’t changed is the desire of business people to come together face to face to dobusiness – a fact that has helped IMEX become the must attend event it is today.

Environmentalism and CSRGreen thinking has moved from being aconcern of a few tree huggers to mainstream

consideration. Woe betide any supplier who isn’taware of the importance of sustainability and whocan’t answer questions on it from planners andclients. As a result, concepts such as air miles, carbonoffset and localism have become as important as rackrates, group discounts and social programmes indestination management. IMEX’s practices on travel,waste management and sustainability have led theway, while its education programmes have extendedknowledge to the rest of the industry.

Shorter lead timesThe world has become a faster and busierplace in the past decade meaning that

destinations and venues have had to become moreresponsive than ever. The idea of planning an eventat leisure is a luxury of the past. Professionalismand speed of delivery are now everything.

The rise of procurementOnce the domain of the person who orderedthe stationery, procurement departments now

oversee buying across every aspect of corporations.Travel and conferencing are under the microscopelike never before provoking headaches for many.However procurement is not going to go away, andmeetings professionals are becoming more adept atmeeting the demands of the bean counters.

Proving ROIAs travel and meetings budgets have comeunder greater scrutiny, the industry has had to

demonstrate that it really does deliver value. Returnon investment is now a watchword for planners. TheEconomic Impact Study by the CIC in the US hashelped shift the perception of the value of events.

Technology marches onThe amazing technological developments ofthe past decade have helped and challenged

event organisers in equal measure. Teleconferencingis on every desk top with Skype, mobile computingmeans that delegates need never be out of reach ofthe office, while social media has connected uppeople like never before. The most effective plannershave recognised the positive role that technology canplay in improving the event experience as well asmaking the world a smaller place.

Competition intensifiesThe number and variety of destinations atIMEX is testament to the importance of MICE

business to many countries. Investment in venuesand facilities in new and emerging markets meansthat levels of service are unsurpassed. Nodestination can afford to sit on its laurels and hopebusiness will arrive. Constant improvement isrequired.

Education and professionalismMeetings and business travel have becomeever more attractive career choices for

young people, and the standard of education andcareer development available to them continues toimprove. IMEX’s sponsorship of the Future Leadersprogramme demonstrates its commitment tosupporting the next generation.

Events with a purposeAnxious to ditch the tag of jollies, events areincreasingly about delivering something

extra. Whether this means incorporating teamwork,helping people do their jobs better, or assisting in acommunity project at a destination, the remit ofevents has expanded.

Contingency planningWhat can go wrong, will go wrong. Events ofthe past decade have demonstrated to

planners that they have to take a robust approachto having a plan B in place.

The thirst for experienceMany audiences are now relatively welltravelled as individuals, so when it

comes to delivering an incentive or group meeting,it has to be something that they can’t do on theirown. The past decade has seen the growth inpopularity of ever more exotic destinations andthrilling activities to keep audiences engaged. ■

10 TRENDS IN 10 YEARS2012

25


The past decade hasseen the growth inpopularity of ever moreexotic destinations

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DON‘T WASTE TIME – COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE! STR Destination Handling - your one point of contact for 24 selected DMCs servicing more than 30 countries and providing you with a unique expertise to identify the next fabulous destination for your unforgettable event. Visit us at Stand G660!

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© HL Adventure

© EC Meetings

IMEX 10 YEAR TIMELINE10th Anniversary Souvenir Special

2002• January 2002 IMEX launched with forecast of 75 participating countries and

5,000 buyers

• 5 March 2002 IMEX Wild Card competition opens

2003• 4 March 2003 142 exhibitors announced for the GCB German Convention

Bureau stand

• 7 April 2003 200 association buyers attend first IMEX Association Day

• 8 April 2003 IMEX opens itsdoors for the first time exceeding itsbuyer target by 624 buyers

• 9 June 2003 ICCA gives IMEXits official endorsement

• 26 November 2003 EuropeanPartnership agreed with MPI

2004• 12 May 2004 IMEX opens and now fills two floors of Hall 3

• 16 September 2004 MPI’s Global Corporate Circle of Excellence announceattendance at IMEX 2005

• 14 November 2004 Paul Flackett wins ICCA Moises Shuster Award

• 22 December 2004 IMEX team scale Kilimanjaro for UNICEF

2005• 18 April 2005 Association Day becomes the largest meeting of association

executives in Europe with a record 262 delegates

• 19 April 2005 Third IMEX moves to Messe Frankfurt’s largest hall – now40% bigger than its inaugural show

• 20 April 2005 IMEX and tmf GmbH present the results of their first annualGerman market research study

• 15 July 2005 IMEX wins the AEO Excellence Award for ‘Best VisitorExperience at a Trade Show’

2006• 4 May 2006 New ‘IMEX on Your Phone’ service launched

• 30 May 2006 IMEX fills a record 16,500 square metres

• 16 July 2006 IMEX team walk 100km South Downs Way for Oxfam

• 25 July 2006 IMEX wins AEO Excellence Award for ‘Best Trade Show’

2007• 7 March 2007 IMEX education programme expands to deliver 35 seminars

• 19 April 2007 Fifth IMEX closes after seeing a record 3,500 hostedbuyers attend

2008• 22 April 2008 Largest PoliticiansForum to date welcomes 70 delegatesspanning four continents

• 24 April 2008 IMEX closes witha record 40,000 appointmentsmade over three days

• 24 April 2008 Dale Hudson,IMEX projects manager, appointedto GMIC Board of Directors

• 19 June 2008 IMEX salesmanager, Jon Bradshaw sets off on4,800km bike ride across Europefor stroke charities

• 21 November 2008 IMEX GlobalData Exchange launched

2009• 16 April 2009 IMEX and MPI announce Global Partnership

• 1 June 2009 IMEX buyer and visitor numbers push 9,000 for the first timewith 50% increase in long haul buyers

• 28 October 2009 IMEX America announced

• 27 November 2009 ICCA, IMEX and Fast Future join forces for Convention2020 study

2010• 27 May 2010 Number of appointments made now 57,000 over three days

• 24 November 2010 IMEX receives Corporate Order of Skal Merit

2011• 1 January 2011 Faye Bennett, IMEX sales manager becomes 2011 Site

Great Britain Chapter president

• 17 May 2011 IMEX App launched in partnership with MPI

• 27 May 2011 Ninth IMEX closes with record attendance from corporatebuyers and BRICS markets

• 28 May 2011 IMEX sales team cycles back from Frankfurt to Hove

• 18 August 2011 IMEX enters the blogosphere with IMEX Insights

• 11 October 2011 InauguralIMEX America launches in LasVegas

• 1 November 2011 Tom Hulton,director of international relations atIMEX collects the Moises SchusterAward from ICCA

2012• 31 January 2012 MCI joins IMEX and MPI to run Future Leaders Forums

(5,100 students have been through programme since 2003)

• 2 April 2012 Seminar programme breaks through 100 mark for first time

• 2 April 2012 Free WiFi announced throughout exhibition

• 22-24 May 2012 IMEX is 10! 27


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THE FIRST TEN YEARSAngeline Lue, director, sales & marketing, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

IMEX has always been the main industry gathering that I look forward to. The entire event is incredibly well-managed and Iadmire the corporate culture, personal interaction and commitment demonstrated by the organising team. In the meetingsindustry, these relationships and values are highly appreciated and respected.

I have several favourite memories including receiving the IMEX Academy Award at the gala dinner last year, and alsochatting with Ray Bloom. He is so accessible and approachable, and just a delightful gentleman – a definite advantage in ourindustry.

IMEX has played a pivotal role in being a platform for the substantial changes the MICE industry faces to be debated. It hasproven to be the home ground for new and emerging meeting destinations, providing a welcoming environment for them toflourish, and for established destinations to grow and enhance their business opportunities.

Lene Corgan, business events manager UK/Europe, Tourism Australia

IMEX is a core annual trade event for the Australian business events industry and helps keep Australia top of mind fordecision makers. IMEX provides us with the ideal platform to do business and promote our destination and our presence atIMEX has grown year on year since we first started exhibiting at the show.

It’s one of the core events each year that really defines our market. IMEX brings the whole industry together from aroundthe world and allows us to showcase the very best of what’s on offer. The business events market gets more competitive andexciting each year. You can see this every year at IMEX with the growth in exhibitor booths and the deafening buzz on theshow floor.

Krzysztof Celuch, manager, Poland Convention Bureau (above left)

IMEX gave us the chance to build the image of Poland. We are open to hostmeetings and events and we have been looking for the appropriate channel.IMEX created it and focusing on long-term activities we want to build our brandawareness. For the MICE sector, IMEX is a must attend event providing qualityand excellent connections.

The Poland Convention Bureau also started 10 years ago, so at G400 we willbe celebrating. IMEX gave me the chance to become an industry professional asI started on the Future Leaders programme and became the manager of anational CVB. I believe IMEX is the place to create intellectual buzz and creativeconnections.

Barbara Jamison, head of business development, Europe, London &Partners (left)

IMEX is one of the most important sales activities in my year, providing access tosome of the most influential buyers in the world. Due to the economic situation,organisers of business events have changed so that some agencies will nowhave freelance staff who contract on their behalf; procurement departmentsbecome influencers or final decision makers and communication teams take onthe role of an event planner. What is so reassuring about IMEX is the care it hastaken to ensure that the actual decision maker attends the exhibition, making itmore relevant and profitable for us as an exhibitor.

Having exhibited at the show every year since its inception a decade ago,there are so many fond memories. One highlight was bringing the German cheffrom Das Botschaft to celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurant in London to workalongside him. Another was a fashion-themed event we developed with theGerman fashion designer Anja Gockel. We delivered a fashion shoot and catwalk that every guest could be a part of by having their photograph taken byfamous London photographer Seamus Ryan.

There has been a shift in the MICE environment during IMEX’s lifetime, inparticular the profile of buyers due to the global economy. However IMEX hasadapted to this shift. The show has enabled us to enhance our work with newemerging markets that are so important to London, such as Russia and SouthAmerica.


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IT seems incredible to already be celebrating 10 years of IMEX. For me the fulcrum of oursuccess has always been the staff team who have delivered at the very highest level,creating a community spirit on a global level.

Whilst the makeup of the team has changed a few times over the decade the output has only everincreased with the highest standards being maintained across the board.

On my travels I am always pleased to hear and receive positive comments about the high levels of supportoffered to exhibitors and buyers alike by team members - a universal recognition of their hard work.

It is a privilege and a pleasure to work with these folks and I am delighted to be able to say a huge thankyou for all their hard work. To be part of this team is something special.

Paul Flackett, managing director, IMEX [email protected]

TEAMWORK ALL THE WAY

Paul FlackettManaging Director,IMEX Group

The show will see the results of the major newresearch study – the Power of 10 – revealed.Conducted by Fast Future Research andsponsored by the GCB German ConventionBureau, Messe Frankfurt, CPO Hanser and theFrankfurt Tourist Office, the study has capturedopinions from 10 thought-leaders in 10 industrysectors to help shed light on what the next 10years hold in store. Also taking part are theIMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders with a worldwideessay competition to garner the opinions of thenext generation of business leaders. An industrywide survey of almost 800 people has also takenplace and retrospectives and predictions fromIMEX Group staff have been collected.

Commenting on the new study, Fast Future CEO,Rohit Talwar, stated: “With 2012 being such asignificant, celebratory year for IMEX, it seemedfitting to look back as well as look ahead, and tosee what that comparison might reveal. Many ofthe respondents involved in the study are bigpersonalities with even bigger opinions, so we areexpecting the insights and analysis to be asvaluable and provocative as they are entertaining.”

Presentations take place at 16:00 on Wednesday23 May and 08:45 on Thursday 24 May plus youcan meet the Fast Future Research team in theInspiration Centre G620 and pick up a summaryof the findings. We’ll also be publishing details inThursday’s issue of the IMEX Daily Paper.

imex-frankfurt.com/whatson

Power of 10 looks to the next 10 years

IBC Advert

MYC000124_IMEX FrankfurtDailySouvenirEdition_launch.ai 1 4/20/12 12:01 PM

Entertainment & Humor

10th Anniversary Souvenir Special