IMEX Frankfurt, Germany 2026
Overview
IMEX Frankfurt is Europe’s largest trade show for the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry, uniting over 4,500 buyers from 97 countries with 3,100 suppliers representing 150+ nations at Messe Frankfurt, Germany’s premier exhibition venue. Scheduled for May 19–21, 2026, with a free specialist education day on May 18, this four-day event is a powerhouse of business opportunities, featuring 67,000+ pre-scheduled meetings, 200+ educational sessions, and vibrant networking activities like the IMEXrun and Gala Dinner. Exhibitors range from convention bureaus and hotel groups to tech providers and cruise lines, while attendees include corporate planners, association executives, and agency heads, all leveraging an advanced online meeting system to maximize ROI. Renowned for its sustainability efforts, including a 65% waste recovery rate in 2024, IMEX is a hub for innovation, fostering connections that shape unforgettable events worldwide.
The 2026 edition elevates its legacy with enhanced accessibility, such as wheelchair-friendly venues and real-time translation for sessions, alongside a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion through initiatives like The Neu Project and pronoun badges. Attendees can immerse themselves in Frankfurt’s vibrant culture via an interactive ExpoFP map highlighting local dining and attractions, while sustainability awards and community givebacks, like support for Stiftung Waisenhaus Orphanage, underscore IMEX’s commitment to positive impact. From practical workshops on event tech to inspirational talks on experience design, IMEX Frankfurt offers a dynamic platform to build relationships, discover trends, and drive the future of the global events industry with unparalleled energy and purpose.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Participate in 67,000+ pre-scheduled meetings with global buyers, attend 200+ educational sessions with expert speakers on event tech, sustainability, and experience design, and enjoy networking events like the IMEXrun, SITE NITE, and Gala Dinner.
- Special traditions or features: Engage in the free specialist education day on May 18, featuring forums like Exclusively Corporate and Association Focus; celebrate sustainability with the IMEX-EIC Innovation Award and eco-friendly booth practices; join city-wide socials like Association Social.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Explore a show floor with 3,100 suppliers from 150+ countries, access quiet spaces like the Well-being Lounge, and use the ExpoFP interactive map to discover Frankfurt’s culinary and cultural gems, enhancing the business and cultural experience.
Why Attend
IMEX Frankfurt 2026 is your gateway to the global events community, offering unmatched opportunities to connect with 4,500+ decision-makers, including high-budget buyers controlling $10M+ portfolios, in a market renowned for its lucrative German outbound sector. Whether you’re a meeting planner seeking venues, a supplier showcasing destinations, or an agency building partnerships, the event’s online meeting system ensures 67,000+ targeted appointments, driving deals that transform your business. The 200+ educational sessions, covering trends like AI in events and sustainable practices, equip you with actionable insights, while networking at the Gala Dinner or IMEXrun fosters lasting relationships. With 62% of buyers managing $1M+ budgets, your ROI potential is immense, amplified by Frankfurt’s accessibility and IMEX’s inclusive vibe.
Beyond business, IMEX delivers inspiration and community, with features like the People and Planet Village and real-time session translations creating an inclusive environment for diverse professionals. The 2024 show achieved a 65% waste recovery rate, and 2026 continues this with eco-conscious booths and local charity support, aligning your participation with global impact. From exploring Frankfurt’s vibrant dining scene via the ExpoFP map to leveraging post-show attendee lists for follow-ups, IMEX ensures your investment yields long-term value. This is where ideas ignite, partnerships flourish, and the events industry’s future is shaped—making it an essential destination for growth and innovation.
Date & Duration
- Dates: May 19 – 21, 2026 (plus specialist education day on May 18)
- Duration: 4 days
Venue / Location
- City: Frankfurt, Germany
- Main venue: Messe Frankfurt, a world-class exhibition center with expansive halls for trade shows, education theaters, and networking zones.
- Notable areas: Hall 8 (main show floor with restrooms, cafes, Nook Pods); Hall 9 (Inspiration Hub, Well-being Lounge, Hosted Buyer Lounge); Press Center (level 8.1).
- Google Maps address: Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1, 60327 Frankfurt, Germany
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Free registration online for attendees via imexevents.com; hosted buyer program applications (with free flights/accommodation) via dedicated portal; exhibitor booth bookings through sales team.
- Whether admission is free or paid: General attendance is free; hosted buyer program is free for approved applicants; exhibitor booths and extras (e.g., electricity, furniture) are paid, costs TBD via inquiry.
- Ticket pricing in USD: General admission $0 USD; hosted buyer program $0 USD (if approved); exhibitor costs vary (contact for quote, starting ~$5,000 USD for basic booths).
- Special seating or VIP options: Hosted buyers receive VIP treatment (flights, hotels, lounge access); exhibitors can upgrade booths for premium placement or branding.
- Minimum and maximum ticket pricing: Minimum $0 USD (free attendee/hosted buyer); maximum TBD for premium exhibitor packages (estimated $50,000+ USD).
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: hello@imexevents.com (general inquiries); info@imexexhibitions.com (exhibitor inquiries); operations@imexevents.com (accessibility support).
- Phone: +44 1273 227311 (general); +44 1273 224958 (accessibility, English available).
- Website: https://imexevents.com/, https://imex-frankfurt.com/.
- Social Media: @imexevents (Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Facebook).
- Key Staff: Carina Bauer (CEO); Operations Team for accessibility and on-site support.
- Press/Volunteers: Email hello@imexevents.com for press accreditation; volunteer opportunities TBD via website inquiry.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English/German support available.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Frankfurt Airport (FRA), 12 km southwest (20 minutes by taxi, 30 minutes by S-Bahn S8/S9 to Messe station).
- Public transport: S-Bahn S3/S4/S5/S6 or U-Bahn U4 to Festhalle/Messe (5-minute walk); tram 16/17 from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (15-minute walk or short ride); free electric shuttle from Festhalle/Messe to show halls.
- Parking: On-site parking at Messe Frankfurt via WestKreuz exit, Tor 9 (bookable, ~$15–$25 USD/day); limited accessible parking, contact operations@imexevents.com.
- Other options: Taxis from FRA (~$30 USD); hotel shuttles on show days; bike shares via Call a Bike near Messe; walking from Hauptbahnhof (15 minutes).
Accommodation Options
- Budget options: A&O Frankfurt Galluswarte (1.5 km, $60–$90 USD/night, dorms or privates with Wi-Fi); MEININGER Hotel Frankfurt Main (1.2 km, $70–$100 USD/night, modern rooms near Hauptbahnhof).
- Mid-range hotels: NH Collection Frankfurt City (2 km, $120–$180 USD/night, sleek design with gym and sauna); Hampton by Hilton Frankfurt Centre Messe (1 km, $100–$150 USD/night, breakfast included).
- Luxury stays: Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof (2 km, $200–$350 USD/night, historic elegance with spa); Roomers Frankfurt (1.8 km, $180–$300 USD/night, boutique vibe with rooftop bar).
- Apartment rentals: Airbnb in Gallusviertel (from $80/night, studios near Messe); Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt (1 km, $150–$250 USD/night, apartments with kitchens).
- Booking tips: Book via imexevents.com for exclusive hotel discounts; most offer free cancellation and public transport passes; check back in 2026 for flight deals.
Reviews
- “IMEX Frankfurt is a game-changer—thousands of meetings, top-tier education, and a sustainable ethos that makes every connection meaningful.”
- “The energy of 4,500+ global planners and suppliers in one place is unmatched; the networking events and sessions sparked deals that lasted all year.”
- “From accessible venues to the Gala Dinner, IMEX blends business with inspiration, making it the must-attend event for event pros.”
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FAQ's
What is IMEX Frankfurt and who should attend?
IMEX Frankfurt is Europe’s largest meetings and events trade show, connecting 4,500+ buyers (21% with $10M+ budgets) from 97 countries with 3,100 suppliers for 67,000+ meetings. Ideal for meeting planners, corporate and association execs, agencies, and suppliers like hotel groups or tech providers, it’s a hub for deal-making and trends. Open to global attendees, it focuses on creating impactful events via 200+ sessions on tech and sustainability. Hosted buyers get free travel; exhibitors meet high-value German markets. Apply early for hosted programs and use the meeting system for ROI. It’s your annual pulse on the events industry.
When and where is IMEX Frankfurt 2026, and what's unique this year?
Held May 19–21, 2026, at Messe Frankfurt (Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1), with a free education day on May 18, it spans four days. Unique features include enhanced accessibility (wheelchair-friendly theaters, Wordly.ai translations), a 65% waste recovery focus, and charity support like Stiftung Waisenhaus. Hall 8 and 9 host exhibits, quiet spaces, and the Inspiration Hub. The ExpoFP map guides Frankfurt exploration. Arrive by 9:30 AM for sessions; exhibitors access early. It’s a bigger, greener show with inclusive networking like the IMEXrun and Gala Dinner.
How do I attend or exhibit, and what are the costs?
Register free as an attendee at imexevents.com; hosted buyers apply for free flights/hotels, committing to 6–8 daily meetings (apply early, assessed on buying power). Exhibitor booths start ~$5,000 USD (contact info@imexexhibitions.com for quotes); extras like electricity TBD. No general admission cost; hosted program is $0 USD if approved. Exhibitors get no guaranteed meetings but access 4,500+ buyers. Register online, create a company profile for visibility, and book via the portal by May 2026. Withdrawals free pre-show; no refunds on booth fees. Early signup maximizes meeting slots.
What are the key networking and education opportunities?
Network via 67,000+ pre-scheduled meetings, city events like SITE NITE, and socials like the Gala Dinner or Association Social. Education includes 200+ seminars on event tech, sustainability, and design, with headphones and translations in key theaters. The Inspiration Hub and People and Planet Village offer hands-on learning; the IMEXrun fosters casual connections. Use the online system to book meetings pre-show. Post-event, access attendee lists and session recaps online. It’s built for deal-closing and inspiration, with 42% of buyers at director level or above.
How can I prepare for IMEX, and what support is available post-event?
Prep by registering early, completing your profile for meeting matches, and reviewing the ExpoFP map for Frankfurt navigation. Bring business cards, comfy shoes, and note dietary needs (catering available). Accessibility support via operations@imexevents.com; quiet spaces in Hall 9. Post-event, access meeting data, session recordings, and buyer contacts via the portal. Exhibitors get performance stats; all receive newsletters. Apply to speak via website; visa letters available. This ensures a seamless experience and sustained business value from Frankfurt’s global hub.
