Each year, the who's who of the MICE industry gathers at IMEX in Frankfurt, considered one of the foremost platforms for the meetings industry. It offers a unique opportunity to network, discuss trends, and foster collaborations on an international stage.
For the Munich Convention Bureau, attending the fair is a staple event in their calendar. Featuring an inviting, open stand design, Bavarian attire, and a signature beer garden coupled with a warm and relaxed atmosphere, the Munich Convention Bureau offers its partners the perfect setting to effectively showcase their services and products to a diverse audience. This year, IMEX Frankfurt took place from May 14th to the 16th, 2024.
We reached out to our partners to gather their reflections – asking 7 questions about the atmosphere, highlights, surprises, and their first-time experiences at the event. Here are their responses.
1. The Munich Convention Bureau’s booth was a central meeting point at IMEX 2024. What did you particularly like this year?
Sina Ehresmann & Sylvie Lohr – Interplan Congress, Meeting & Event Management AG: The appearance of the Munich Convention Bureau was truly exceptional. We were particularly taken by the booth's professional and hospitable design - it was not just visually striking but also superbly functional, creating an instantly welcoming environment for visitors. The open layout enhanced communication and networking opportunities. Everything went smoothly on the organizational front. The team took care of everything – allowing us to effectively respond to visitors’ needs. The booth itself became a real hotspot for networking, giving us a great opportunity to chat casually with exhibitors, visitors, and potential business partners.
2. Speaking of networking - did you establish any interesting new contacts?
Johannes Schuster - Olympiapark München: At the Munich booth, networking is always at the forefront. As long-standing partners, we highly value direct interactions at these fairs. We engaged in several promising dialogues. It's fascinating not only to connect with potential new clients and business partners but also to explore industry-related topics. The fair offers phenomenal opportunities to gather innovative ideas, ignite partnerships, and expand business ventures for the Olympic Park in Munich.
Natalie Knoben - BMW Welt München: IMEX 2024 provided another outstanding opportunity for networking alongside our Munich partners. It is consistently remarkable how effectively we can showcase our event location on a national and international scale. We are eager to transform the myriad of contacts established into actual events. The fair was brimming with potential.
Michael Götz - Tegernseer Tal Tourismus: The IMEX reinforced the significance of our cooperation with Munich for the Tegernsee region. We are always looking to deepen this collaboration and therefore implement our projects in connection with the city. We strategically tap into the extensive network provided by the Munich Convention Bureau.
3. What were your personal highlights of the fair?
Sebastian Kuhn and Corinna Zacher - Holiday Inn City Centre Munich: The networking with colleagues from other Munich hotels was certainly a major highlight of IMEX. Solid relationships were built. We could share inquiries and recommend customers to one another. The diversity of industries represented at the fair was another key aspect. We received exciting inquiries for our hotel, particularly from the pharmaceutical and technology sectors.
Carolin Hochwind & Nina Wiedmann – Messe München: For us, it's all about the personal connections and discussions. The events industry thrives on these singular interactions. This year, IMEX Frankfurt again served as an ideal platform for greeting new and long-standing clients at our Munich booth. Discussing the latest trends, best practices, and specific needs is invariably beneficial. We're appreciative of being part of the robust Munich partner network and are excited for the upcoming year.
4. Was there a special moment at the fair that will stay with you?
Dario Gruber - Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Starnberg: What really stood out to me were two young entrepreneurs from Bavaria, trained carpenters, who were looking to advance their new business. They are turning residual wood into innovative products for the hotel industry, like wine coolers. We, as a Green Hotel, particularly support such creative and sustainable concepts. It's important to offer a platform to young entrepreneurs, and collaboration with partners from the region is very interesting for us.
5. Can you share with us the general feel at the Munich booth during the event?
Anita Drommer - Platzl Hotel München: The mood at our booth was, as always, simply great. Munich is the epitome of the perfect host. We had a little beer garden set up at the booth where everyone enjoyed sitting together. This special “Munich atmosphere” extends ...
6. What are your top takeaways that you’re bringing back from IMEX?
Alexander Kirschke - Locke Hotels: One of my key insights is that virtual events cannot replace personal meetings, and will not do so in the future. Therefore, fairs and business trips continue to be essential. For us as hotel operators, it's crucial not only to present a clear offer but also to ensure speed in processing inquiries. It's one of our main goals to now quickly and efficiently provide customers with appropriate information post-fair to turn proposals into concrete projects.
7. The last question is for our debutants. Could you summarize how your first trade fair experience went?
Severin Pimperl - Showpalast Munich: I noticed that IMEX is an extremely important platform where many key people come together. Besides customer contacts, I was particularly impressed with the sense of community among the Munich-based partners. Being at the booth in traditional attire was something special. A day at the fair is unique—you have your spot, get prepared for appointments, and actively engage with visitors. Many already have a clear idea of their event, while others are just in the information-gathering stage. A friendly smile here, a meaningful conversation there - and if a few discussions lead to concrete projects, then it’s all worth it.
Alexandra Beitzel – Parkcafé Munich: I really liked the team spirit and the cooperation with the other partners, especially as a newcomer. I was able to have really good conversations, meet lots of people from the industry, and aside from all the scheduled meetings, I even managed to inspire some passing visitors about Parkcafé.
Maximilian Tóth - Abasto Hotels: It was my debut at the Munich booth, and I was immediately enthusiastic—that’s how I'd describe my first participation. The feeling of being a part of Munich was top-notch. The chance to make so many valuable contacts during and after the fair was also incredibly important to me. I also enjoyed the atmosphere at the booth. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. I'm looking forward to further joint fairs and events with the Munich Convention Bureau.
This year, the following partners were represented together with the Munich Convention Bureau at IMEX 2024:
1. Abasto Hotels
2. Autobus Oberbayern Group
3. BMW Welt
4. Das Achental Resort
5. FC Bayern München / Allianz Arena München Stadion GmbH
6. Geisel Privathotels
7. Hilton Munich Airport
8. Hilton Munich City & Hilton Munich Park
9. Holiday Inn Munich - City Centre
10. Holiday Inn Munich - Leuchtenbergring & Westpark Hotel
11. Bayerischer Hof München
12. Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Starnberg
13. INFINITY Hotel & Conference Resort Munich
14. INTERPLAN Congress, Meeting & Event Management AG
15. K.I.T. Group GmbH
16. Locke Hotels
17. Marriott International, The Westin Grand Hotel Munich
18. Messe München & LOCATIONS OF MESSE MÜNCHEN
19. Olympiapark München
20. Parkcafé München
21. Platzl Hotels München
22. Pullman Munich Hotel
23. SHOWPALAST MÜNCHEN
24. Sofitel Munich Bayerpost
25. Tegernseer Tal Tourismus GmbH
