Hosted buyer program

Could I be a hosted buyer?

If you regularly plan or commission international events or incentive travel programs—and you're coming to IMEX with business in mind, you can apply to join our hosted buyer program. Our uniquely flexible hosted buyer program is designed for event professionals just like you.

Hosted buyer inquiry

What you'll receive as a hosted buyer

Free travel and accommodations

As a hosted buyer, you'll enjoy:

Free flights and accommodations
The knowledge that we're taking care of the details
Attendance is free too of course—and there are no cancelation fees or fines

Flexible meeting scheduling

We run the most flexible hosted buyer program in the world. And you have flexibility over who you meet with.

Free professional development

From education tailored to your specialism at

Association Focus and Exclusively Corporate and expert insight at drop-in education throughout the show.

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

What we ask in return

As a hosted buyer you commit to booking six to eight meetings per day with our exhibitors, through our show platform. These should be mainly one-to-one meetings but can also include group appointments and booth presentations. We also ask that you don’t leave the show early but stay for each full day of your hosted buyer program.

We regularly check that hosted buyers are booking and attending meetings (on average hosted buyers book 16-plus book per show).

Watch our short video about hosted buyer commitments.

Learn more about meetings

Show stats 2025

13,335

Total participants

67,000

Meetings booked

4,466

Total buyers

177

Press attendees from 24 countries

2,900

Exhibiting companies representing 100+ countries

Download 2025 stats

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 an intermediary, and you’d like to be a hosted buyer:

Follow the link the intermediary has sent you
Create your IMEX account
Use the hosted buyer invitation code to join their hosted buyer group
If you prefer you can also register with us direct

Hosted buyer qualifying criteria

All hosted buyers must:

Be responsible for researching, organizing, 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 buying power
Be at the show for the duration of their hosted buyer program
Book meetings with exhibitors using our online meetings system

Coming to IMEX from a corporate
organization?

Coming to IMEX from a corporate organization and need help getting approval?

Join us at IMEX as part of a hosted buyer group to elevate your corporate event planning.

As a hosted buyer, you’ll have access to networking opportunities, educational sessions, and one-on-one meetings with key suppliers.

Worried about compliance? Cover your own travel and hotel expenses while still enjoying all the other benefits of being a hosted buyer.

Download compliance letter

Ready to take the next step?

Join us at IMEX Frankfurt 2026.

Pre-register now

Any questions?
Read our FAQs or contact us:

Contact customer services