Attending IMEX for the first time

Top tips for your first time at IMEX

We know how daunting it can be to attend a large trade show for the first time.

We’ve put together some top tips for coming to IMEX: from meeting you on the show floor, to restaurant recommendations.

Get started

Create your IMEX account and register for the show

Ensure you have plenty of business cards, or a digital version. Update your LinkedIn profile and contact details. Download the IMEX App.

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:

Who: Introduce yourself
Where: Explain your company and what it does
What: Describe what you can offer as a solution

If you're a buyer, you're going to do business. Our exhibitor directory is intuitive, easy to search and highly visual and there to help you squeeze maximum value from your #IMEXperience.

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.

Get ready

Explore our DEI information

Read our accessibility information
Read and support the IMEX code of conduct

Book your meetings

If you are attending as a buyer, prioritize meetings that could expand your network and further your business. We recommend a minimum of six to eight meetings per day. Learn more about meetings. Prepare for your meetings and let the exhibitors know your intentions beforehand so each meeting is tailored to you.

Attend education and activities

We have 200 free education sessions. Take your pick of sessions and add them to your schedule. Browse the program.

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. More information coming in 2026.

Give yourself some free time

We suggest you keep some time free for unexpected meetings. There are also plenty of quiet spaces to recharge, have a coffee, and to catch up on emails while you’re at the show. Or check out the Be Well Lounge for some headspace.

Network like a pro

Use your IMEX Account

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.

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.

At the show

Make use of the floorplan
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 in 2026
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.

Browse our FAQs

Why attend?

IMEX is your platform for professional and personal success. Where you can connect with the right suppliers, keep up with fast-changing event trends and legislation, experience the world under one roof, see everyone you need to see (and everyone you didn't know you needed to see). And where you can make those all-important face-to-face connections for stronger, more meaningful business relationships.

Face-to-face business

IMEX is your opportunity to meet and do business with 3,100 destinations, venues and suppliers representing 150 countries in one place.

Scheduling meetings

Community and connection

Connect with the core of the business events community - whether you prefer the buzz of on-booth receptions, the glamour of the IMEX Gala or the endorphin-filled IMEXrunners high.

Find a networking event

Free professional education program

Catch up with the latest event trends and innovations, push your professional development forward, stay relevant in our rapidly changing world. Choose from 200+ in-depth seminars, practical workshops and specialist forums.

Explore what's on