The privilege and positive energy of being together

We were all reminded this year just how lucky we all are to be in an industry that exists to bring people together at events from Association Social, to CIMclubbing@IMEX, to SITE Nite Europe. And to the IMEX Gala and Awards at Frankfurt’s striking Alte Oper—an epic and operatic evening that began with a rousing rendition of Puccini’s Nessun Dorma from SongDivision’s multi-talented Sam McNeill, continued with (double) double-award winners (Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO, Business Events Sydney and former UFI CEO and JMIC Chair, Kai Hattendorf) and ended with late-night celebration and conversation on the Alte Oper’s stunning outdoor terrace.

Positive energy also filled the room at the Policy Forum which saw more than 100 destination representatives and 20 policymakers from 30-plus countries gather to talk place leadership and strategic destination management. 

And at another fueling-the-future-of-our-industry event, the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum invited event management and hospitality students to learn from experts and to embrace the transformative power of simply taking affirmative action, advice we can all follow.

Thank you for joining us
And just like that, IMEX Frankfurt 2025 came to a close. We hope you had a joyful, inspirational and connection-packed IMEX. Thank you for joining us at a record-breaking, floor-filling and uniquely uplifting IMEX 2025.

“In a world grappling with dysfunction and tech-induced anxiety, the importance of in-person connections has never been clearer. It’s a unique privilege to work in an industry that centers on bringing people together. Witnessing the friendships forged, the support from peers and competitors alike, and the sheer joy of connection is truly the highlight of it all. Here’s to the future of our industry!”
Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group

We’re a little sad it’s all over, but as attendee Anja Dickmann-Schüler, Owner, TourismMarketingCommunication, Germany said on LinkedIn, “After IMEX is before IMEX!” 

So, we’ll see you in just a few short months for IMEX America 2025, October 7-9, or this time next year for IMEX Frankfurt 2026, May 19-21. We can’t wait!