IMEX – Corporate events and meetings

Corporate events and meetings: IMEX offsets planner’s isolation and training drought with new ‘Exclusively Corporate’ programme

Exclusively Corporate at IMEX, the dedicated event for event and travel planners (corporate), has been redeveloped for IMEX in Frankfurt 2017. The IMEX team has collaborated with planners from across the globe to gather views and experiences, creating a new, free of charge, one day programme for the show.

Some of the challenges raised by event and meeting executives included the need to create a fresh event experience be it through new technology, emerging destinations or unique venues – all on an ever-decreasing budget.

The newly bespoke programme for Exclusively Corporate at IMEX reflects these issues with speakers drawn from companies including Cisco, GSK, Lego, Dell, AstraZeneca, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Estée Lauder, EY, BNP Paribas and Barclays. All will share their experiences in a series of in-depth 45-minute sessions. The case study focused panel sessions then lead to opportunities for attendees to brainstorm and generate ideas with their peers.

New, two stream education programme
The dedicated education and networking programme begins on Sunday 14 May with a networking dinner hosted by Hilton. Attendees then begin Monday 15 May with breakfast hosted by Dubai followed by a full day of free education on topics such as delivering ROI, creative event formats, new technologies, security risk and emerging destinations and trends. After a series of group sessions, the education then splits into two streams with sessions on strategic global programme management for senior event professionals and operational issues for event managers.

Planners can then explore IMEX in Frankfurt, which takes place 16 – 18 May at Messe Frankfurt. With 3,500 exhibitors from 160 countries under one roof, the show enables visitors to discover new destinations and suppliers and see the latest technologies designed for the events industry.

Attendees find Exclusively Corporate at IMEX an invaluable opportunity to meet and share ideas with other executives in the same role, as Alise Long, CMM, Manager Strategic Meetings & Events at DSM in the Netherlands, who took part last year explains:

“Exclusively Corporate at IMEX is one of the pinnacles of IMEX in Frankfurt. There are three or four times a year when I can step away from my office and this is one that I value. I like to get together with my peers.”

Alise Long returns this year as one of the speakers who’ll discuss how to build and manage a global team as well as exploring which technology trends are shaping the future of events.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, summarises: “This year’s agenda has been researched and developed with much more detail and input from past attendees. We’ve focused on the biggest challenges that in house marketing, travel and event executives are facing in 2017 and developed an extremely current and detailed programme for them. This is a great opportunity for professionals to benefit from a high quality, free of charge education programme – something which is particularly valuable in the face of decreasing training budgets across many organisations.

“As with every aspect of our shows, we collaborate closely with our attendees to ensure our offering remains relevant and provides the support and inspiration our various audiences need to have the best possible experience. We’re also supported by some fantastic sponsors. Their contributions are vital as they allow us to serve this influential group of buyers and planners with a unique programme that also recognises the fact these planners rarely ever have the chance to meet or talk to each other.”

Full details at http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/events/education/exclusively-corporate-@imex/ or contact Donna Fung Donna.Fung@imexexhibitions.com

#IMEX17

IMEX America research reveals the untapped potential for event technology

IMEX America research reveals the untapped potential for event technology  

61.3 per cent of meeting professionals agreed that currently available event technology makes event management much easier and that it will develop and change dramatically in the next 10 years, but 92 per cent admit that meeting planners are not making the most of such technology solutions.

These were among the key findings of new research carried out for IMEX America by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) providing fascinating insight into the views of meeting professionals on event technology.

It also revealed that when buying event technology products and services, only 21.2 per cent of those surveyed approached the project with confidence.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group said: “Event technology is a fast growing sector that offers vast untapped potential to help with the planning and efficient operation of events”.

“We believe that having technology demonstrated by experts face to face is a highly effective way for buyers to get to grips with technology and discover how it could help them. At IMEX America we have facilitated this through guided tours and demonstrated such technology in dedicated educational areas. In addition, the many event technology suppliers at the show will be happy to explain the capabilities and benefits of what they offer at their booths.”

Among the initiatives that IMEX America has introduced to meet this need is the EventTechTours. Taking place throughout the show, they will be led by Tahira Endean, who was recognized in 2015 as one of the Top Five Women in EventTech and who now specialises in explaining the integration of technology into our lives, businesses and events.

Innovation Tours are also planned for Tuesday and Wednesday, led by Glenn Thayer of Emcee Squared. They will demonstrate how tech, innovation and trends can be implemented into general sessions, as well as examining the future of meeting experiences.

IMEX America also features the TECHknowledge Area, powered by The Meeting Pool, where experts will deliver targeted technology sessions, TECHbytes, answering questions on hot topics such as Snapchat, Slack, OneNote and wearable technology, and guide buyers through the latest tech in the Gadget Lab. More information is available here.

The survey also asked “what problems do you face in your day-to-day work that you would like technology to solve for you, that isn’t currently covered?” The responses revealed a strong widespread demand for ’consolidation, integration, ‘one-stop’ complete solutions and consistency.’

Typical of these views were requests for ‘the compilation of information from various sources/modules into a single flexibly formatted report;’ ‘a one-stop, affordable complete event management solution, from exhibitor management to budget reconciliation’; and ‘one SMMP system consolidating everything including event management and procurement’.

Carina Bauer concludes by adding “The industry is clearly seeing the tip of the iceberg in event technology at present. We expect there to be much more to come and we believe that by visiting the event technology area at the show and making the most of our Tours and TECHknowledge Area, buyers can learn so much that will be valuable to them in planning and running their events more effectively now and in future.”

IMEX America 2016 takes place from 18 – 20 October in Las Vegas. For more information about the show please visit http://www.imexamerica.com.

Technology and business grow together at IMEX America

Technology and business grow together at IMEX America
Budding technology companies to compete for business boost

Meetings industry professionals at IMEX America this year can discover the latest innovations set to impact the way they do business. Many of these innovations will come from the technology sector according to nearly 40 per cent of meeting professionals.

The survey of nearly 1200 respondents by the IMEX Group revealed that 40 per cent of hosted buyers, 34.5 per cent of visitors and 37.5 per cent of exhibitors thought technology would deliver the next big innovation. New apps, virtual meetings and meeting room technology were all cited as examples of how event technology innovation is making an impact across the industry.

Meeting professionals can preview some of the technology set to make waves in the industry at the #IMEXpitch taking place 18 October at IMEX America. Event technology start-ups have the opportunity to showcase their products to an audience of event professionals at the show, which is held 18-20 October in Las Vegas. Applications are now open for the #IMEXpitch, culminating in five finalists competing in a live head-to-head pitch competition.

Each company has five minutes to put forward its product, including the concept, features and unique selling points, to a live audience. The winner, chosen by an expert judging panel, will receive a free space on the Technology Pavilion at next year’s show in addition to press and marketing exposure.

The independent expert judging panel all work with event technology on a daily basis and are always looking out for the latest developments as one of the judges, Tara Thomas, co-founder of The Meeting Pool, explains:

“IMEX has a long history of being at the forefront of showcasing event tech. The competition is truly where the industry looks for the latest innovations changing the game for event professionals and is also an amazing opportunity for startups to attract significant attention and buzz around their products. I’m excited to be involved this year, and to see what I know will be an incredible lineup of companies.”

The Meeting Pool is also powering the TECHknowledge Area at IMEX America where experts will deliver targeted technology sessions, TECHbytes, answering questions on hot topics such as Snapchat, Slack, OneNote and wearable technology, and guiding visitors through the latest tech in the Gadget Lab.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, commented:

“Technology has long led the way in innovation, particularly in the meetings sector. This innovation often comes from start-ups entering the industry and we see many interesting ideas from new businesses through our #IMEXpitch competition and across the showfloor.”

Buyers at IMEX America can meet the experts behind the latest innovations in a series of TechTours running throughout the show. By meeting with selected exhibitors on the show floor, they can discover some of the companies who are leading the way in technology impacting the meetings and event sector.

For more information about the #IMEXpitch and to submit an application please visit http://www.imexamerica.com/events/imexpitch/

For more information about the TECHknowledge Area at IMEX America, please visit http://www.imexamerica.com/events/education/show-floor-education/techknowledge-area/

IMEX America 2016 takes place 18 – 20 October in Las Vegas. For more information about the show please visit http://www.imexamerica.com

IMEX Politicians Forum brings government and leaders together

IMEX Politicians Forum brings government and leaders together

The increasingly valuable contribution that meetings can make towards national and regional economic development, employment and education and how this will progress over the next 15 years will be the central subject of discussions at the 14th annual IMEX Politicians Forum when it takes place at Hotel Villa Kennedy Frankfurt on Tuesday 19 April.
This unique high-level event will once again bring together up to 40 politicians, including national and regional government ministers, and political influencers with around 80 industry leaders. They will exchange knowledge and best practice on how governments, regions and cities can make the most of the wide-ranging benefits that investment in conferences and meetings can bring, from income and employment to inward investment, education and scientific advancement.
This year the keynote speaker will be Hon Minister Stuart Ayres, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events for New South Wales, Australia. In a speech entitled: ‘How Meetings and Events Can Fulfil Political Optimism’, he will focus on several key areas including the importance of matching business events with trade, investment and export policies.

Minister Ayres said: “I’m excited to address the Politician’s Forum at IMEX in Frankfurt on the major issues affecting our industry. Business events are key drivers for our State – stimulating the knowledge economy; supporting trade and investment; talent acquisition and retention; and fostering sustainable future growth.”
The event is a full day programme with an exclusive VIP guided tour of the IMEX trade show and visits to delegates’ own national or regional stands before and after attending the Opening Ceremony.

The afternoon Forum will open with a Global Exchange of Best Practice at national and regional levels. The Hon Minister Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Iceland will chair the national level meeting while John Greenway, former Member of Parliament in the UK will lead the regional discussions.
All the delegates will then join together for the main Forum, a Global Exchange of Future Practice, moderated by Michael Hirst OBE, in which all the politicians, government officials and industry leaders will discuss how destinations are preparing for the challenges over the next 15 years and sharing new ideas and thinking.
The IMEX Politicians Forum has over the years proved to be a major catalyst in advancing the understanding of the critical role that the meetings industry plays in many aspects of national and regional development.

As Hon Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir, Minister of Industry and Commerce for Iceland commented after taking part in the IMEX Politicians Forum 2015. “There is tremendous economic value and intellectual capital gain associated with a strong meetings and conference industry. Therefore it is crucial for governments to respond with a focused strategy to make the most of these business opportunities to benefit their destination. The IMEX Politicians Forum provides a unique platform for governments wishing to improve their competitiveness.”
Carina Bauer, CEO of The IMEX Group said: “The many senior politicians and government officials from across the globe attending the Politicians Forum this year are testament to the increasing recognition of the important role that the meetings and incentive travel industry plays in driving economic development particularly in knowledge economies. We are pleased with the strong programme that is set to develop further understanding and relationships between the industry and governments around the world.”

http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/
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#IMEX #IMEXFrankfurt #IMEX16 #IMEX2016

Valuable solutions to key question ‘How to Remain Relevant’ to be revealed at IMEX Association Day

Valuable solutions to key question ‘How to Remain Relevant’ to be revealed at IMEX Association Day

Association executives from 40 countries will be discovering and developing solutions to the vital industry question – ‘how to keep your association relevant’ – to potential and existing members at this year’s IMEX Association Day. This unique annual event is taking place on Monday 18 April 2016 at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel. From the packed programme of discussions, presentations and networking they will gain valuable insights from peers and expert speakers about the ways that associations are tackling this issue, including demographic, financial and technological perspectives. For the first time this year, the Day will open with a keynote session. The engaging speaker will be Charles Leadbeater, a leading authority on innovation and creativity who advises major internationally known organisations such as the BBC, Vodafone, Microsoft and Ericsson. A number of the sessions have been designed and will be co-delivered by leading industry associations including ICCA  and ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership and the programme has been developed in conjunction with the International Association of Facilitators. After a networking lunch and the keynote speech, delegates will choose between four topics in each of the two afternoon sessions. The full day will conclude with relaxed drinks and dinner with invited industry guests at the popular Association Evening at the Marriott Hotel, Frankfurt. As a result of a new partnership between the Association Management Companies Institute (AMCI) and IMEX, AMCI will for the first time hold a co-located educational programme, ‘Association Management Companies – A Focused Look at Challenges & Solutions!’, on the morning of Association Day. The programme is aimed at existing AMCI members and potential members. Tina Wehmeir, CEO of the AMC Institute said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with IMEX to provide exclusive association management company-focused education on IMEX Association Day. We have assembled a powerful line-up of thought leaders to facilitate the transfer of knowledge based on years of experience working in the association management company industry.” More than 300 association professionals who have registered as either a Hosted Buyer or a Visitor for the IMEX trade show are expected to attend the day which is exclusively open to association executives. The event’s host sponsors are the Marriott Frankfurt and Starwood Hotels & Resorts and its supporting sponsors are Business Events Australia, Vienna Convention Bureau, Jerusalem Conventions & Visitors Bureau  and Your Singapore. Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group commented; “At Association Day 2015 we asked all participants during the opening plenary session “what is the biggest challenge associations face?” The resounding message was relevancy.Association Day 2016 is a unique opportunity for these dedicated professionals to come together with their peers and share experiences on such a vital subject. The comprehensive, highly collaborative programme will provide valuable answers to help them to tackle this major issue. “This new partnership with AMCI is an exciting initiative for IMEX and we are very happy that AMCI and many of its international members will be joining us in Frankfurt. I am sure that AMCI members will take away valuable new knowledge and benefit greatly from the experience, not only the superb speaker sessions arranged for the morning and Association Day but also from visiting the IMEX show itself, with its extensive range of suppliers, education and networking opportunities.”

 

Go green at IMEX

Go green at IMEX
Submissions now open for IMEX-GMIC Green Awards 2016

Organisations across the globe can celebrate their green activities at the IMEX-GMIC Green Awards. Applications are now open for the prestigious awards which recognise outstanding achievement in green meetings planning, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Jointly run by IMEX and the Green Meetings Industry Council (GMIC), these awards are presented at the prestigious IMEX Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony on 20 April 2016 in Frankfurt.

The awards span three categories covering key aspects of the green meetings sector: Green Meeting Award, Green Supplier and Commitment to the Community Award. Applicants are required to submit information on their environmental and social business practices taking into consideration environmental impact, economic indicators, leadership and innovation.

Environmental awareness among meeting organisers is recognised by the Green Meeting Award (large and small meetings), which judges a specific event based on a planner’s efforts to prevent and reduce environmental impact. The Green Supplier Award recognises a meeting supplier that has made innovative efforts to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. Finally, the Commitment to the Community Award honours those who have demonstrated innovative efforts to benefit a charitable initiative.

Previous winners include Destination Unlimited, Authenticore and Delta Lloyd who together scooped the Commitment to the Community Award in recognition of their eco-incentive trip working with an island community in Norway. Visit the IMEX website for further information and details of how to enter the awards.

Sustainability and corporate social responsibility is hugely important to the IMEX Group who also run their own programmes in Frankfurt (Germany), Las Vegas (USA) and Brighton (UK) – where the company is based. In 2015 alone, over US $10,000 was raised for IMEX’s nominated charities in each city through the tradeshows. In addition, at IMEX America 2015 2,000 hygiene were made and donated through a partnership with Clean the World, which will extend to IMEX in Frankfurt for the first time in 2016.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, comments: “As an industry it’s important that we demonstrate how we can support the goals of the recently held COP 21 Conference in Paris, by reducing the environmental impacts of the meetings and events that we run. Through the IMEX Green Awards programme we are able to shine a light on the ‘best in class’ events and suppliers that fulfil their business objectives at the same time as supporting the environment and communities in which they take place. Our industry can and should play a huge role in driving forward this positive agenda and IMEX is pleased to play its part.”

IMEX in Frankfurt hosts inaugural PCMA Business School in Europe

IMEX in Frankfurt hosts inaugural PCMA Business School in Europe

Developing the mindset of an ‘outthinker’ will be the focus of the first ever PCMA Business School Session at IMEX in Frankfurt next April.

Taking place on Monday 18 April 2016, the day before IMEX in Frankfurt, PCMA is bringing its prestigious Business School to Europe for the first time.

As part of the show’s comprehensive education programme, PCMA Business School is aimed at those in executive positions and offers insight for both buyers and suppliers in the market.

Dr. Kaihan Krippendorff, renowned business strategist, consultant and best-selling author, will lead an interactive session on ‘The Outthinker Playbook – Devising Disruptive Strategies’.

This will explore how to cultivate new approaches to business thinking and how to adopt a fresh “outthinkers” approach in response to changes in business. Kaihan will help delegates to develop new strategic thinking habits for solving real challenges and reach “strategic clarity”. The innovative class is also CMP certified.

“In our industry it is important that we seek provoking outside perspectives, so we don’t fall into the trap of developing our strategies with the same myopic lens,” says Deborah Sexton, PCMA President and CEO. “The goal of each PCMA Business School session is to challenge our participants to consider different perspectives that will ultimately enhance their business acumen.”

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains: “Following the success of PCMA Business School at IMEX America, bringing it to Europe enables us to bring a high level of powerful industry education to a wide audience. The programme is part of our comprehensive education programme and focuses on innovation and strategic thinking, enabling professionals – both buyers and suppliers – to develop core business skills which are crucial across many sectors”.

Dr. Kaihan Krippendorff is a recognised expert on innovation, business strategy, and creativity and works with organisations including Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Citibank, L’Oreal, Kraft, and Experian. He regularly conducts programs as a faculty member of Wharton Executive Education and is an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at Florida International University.

PCMA Business School is being provided free of charge to all participants, although pre-registration is required due to the anticipated demand for the programme. Registration will be available via the PCMA website – www.pcma.org – in the New Year.

IMEX in Frankfurt takes place at Messe Frankfurt from 19 – 21 April 2016.

Strong demand and line-up for IMEX in Frankfurt 2016

Strong demand and line-up for IMEX in Frankfurt 2016

New educational initiatives, new exhibitors and high demand from across the industry are already laying down strong foundations for IMEX in Frankfurt 2016, taking place at Messe Frankfurt on 19 – 21 April 2016, one month earlier than usual.

Demand for the show from returning and new exhibitors continues to be exceptionally high from destinations, venues and service providers from across the world. Following the success of the 2015 hosted buyer programme – with 98% of buyers agreeing that they achieved their objectives at the show – a number of new hosted buyer groups have also already been confirmed. Plans to further develop the hosted buyer programme – including increasing the amount of time buyers spend at the show – will be announced later in the year.

The new education initiatives already confirmed are designed to meet the interests of the industry at different levels and to cover several key trends, including a new track on personal development, plus enhancements to the CSR and wellbeing programme.

A high level panel discussion on the rapidly developing sharing economy and its potential role in the meetings and events sector will be held on Wednesday 20 April. Reflecting on the growth of businesses such as Airbnb, Uber and Bookalokal, this session will look at how the industry can adapt to this trend and use it co-operatively. There will also be additional sessions on this theme at the Inspiration Hub during the show.

Also at a senior level will be the first PCMA Business School in Frankfurt providing MBA standard education presented by a university professor. This follows the successful implementation of PCMA’s signature Business School programme at IMEX America.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group commented: “We have worked hard to innovate and develop IMEX in Frankfurt from all angles – looking at the show experience for hosted buyers, exhibitors and other visitors. These innovations will be seen across the show – from small details in the hosted buyer lounge – to larger events and educational initiatives. As the industry continues to develop we are determined to ensure that IMEX in Frankfurt not only provides the industry with the business opportunities that it expects, but also provides buyers and suppliers alike with insights, new knowledge and inspiration for their own programmes, businesses or events.”
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#IMEX #IMEXFrankfurt #IMEX2016

Association Focus & Evening offer superb education

Association Focus & Evening offer superb education and networking opportunities at IMEX America 2015

Increasing revenues, designing better meetings and using mobile technologies in meetings are among the engaging subjects to be explored at Association Focus, a key part of IMEX America’s Smart Monday education program on 12 October 2015 in Las Vegas.

This special educational event, designed by IMEX together with ASAE and ICCA, is packed with fascinating discussions and insightful presentations led by an inspiring group of engaging speakers including industry professionals and independent specialists.

Taking place at the Venetian®| The Palazzo® Congress Center, the free event is exclusively for association executives. More than 180 association professionals from over 15 countries are expected to attend.

The day will be packed with motivating sessions where delegates can boost their knowledge and gather valuable insights and advice from peers and experts that will be helpful both in running associations as well as their events. The event also offers superb opportunities for association executives to network with peers and experts from across the globe.

After a networking lunch, delegates will first have a choice of three tracks. The ICCA session is ‘What’s Your Story?’ Led by Betsy Bair of Penton Media, Lisa Astorga, CMP of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis and Martin Sirk, CEO of ICCA, it starts from the premise that every association meeting is a chance to tell a great story – so how can associations make the most of these stories and opportunities?

At the same time, Willis Turner, CEO of Sales & Marketing Executives International Inc and Shelly Alcorn, Principal of Alcorn Associates will explore the potential role and opportunities to use gaming to increase loyalty and engagement.

Dedicated Executive Track
The dedicated ASAE Executive Track will open with ‘The Journey to Great Governance’, presented by Susan Robertson, CAE, Executive Vice President, ASAE, highlighting best practice in how non-profit boards of directors can fulfil their roles in living up to public and stakeholder expectations. This will be followed by Amy Hissrich, VP Web Strategies & Communications at ASAE explaining how mobile technologies can be used to maximise results from meetings.

Meanwhile delegates can also choose to learn about increasing non-due revenues in international markets from Faris Abouhamad of the International Advertising Association and Steen Jakobsen of Dubai Business Events. Alternatively, they can hear from John Folks and Katie Callahan-Giobbi of Mindingyourbusiness on measuring the attendee experience – and how different approaches can help to design a better meeting.

A packed day of education will be followed by a superb social event – Association Evening – which will feature Cocktails and Canapés at the stunning ‘indoor-outdoor’ Foxtail Nightclub, SLS Las Vegas; a fantastic opportunity to network with peers and invited exhibitors in a relaxed environment.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group says: “Association Focus is a unique event in North America – bringing together association executives from around the US and the world to network and learn with each other in a private environment. We work hard with the market to ensure that the education sessions are highly relevant and delivered by first class educators. The Association Evening is a great culmination to the day and we are excited this year to be at a beautiful new poolside venue – it promises to be spectacular.”

For more details about IMEX America’s Association Focus and Evening and to register http://www.imexamerica.com/events/education/association-focus/

Please click here to download the Association Focus & Evening Brochure and to apply.

To attend Association Focus, delegates must first be registered as either a Hosted Buyer or a Visitor for the IMEX America trade show taking place on 13 – 15th October at Sands Expo® and The Venetian®| The Palazzo® Las Vegas. The Association Evening is also open to exhibitors who are members of one of the supporting industry associations – ICCA, ASAE, AIPC, IAEE, IACC, DMAI, PCMA, IAPCO. More information on the evening can be found at: http://www.imexamerica.com/events/networking-events/association-evening/

The education providers for Association Focus are ASAE and ICCA. SLS Las Vegas is the evening host sponsor.

Most CEOs are likely to agree that conferences and meetings yield tremendous value

Most CEOs are likely to agree that ‘conferences and meetings yield tremendous value’, according to new survey for IMEX America

Most CEOs and Board Directors are now likely to agree that conferences, seminars and meetings yield tremendous value for companies, according to meetings and conference executives across the globe.

That is the striking finding of exclusive research carried out for IMEX America by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) as part of its Meetings Outlook™ survey. IMEX America will take place 13 – 15 October at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian® | The Palazzo® Las Vegas.

MPI members were asked: “During North America Meetings Industry Day and IMEX America 2014 Bill McDermott, CEO of SAP, said ‘I’ve witnessed how conferences, seminars and meetings yield tremendous value for companies.’ How much would your CEO or your clients’ CEO’s — or C-Suite — agree with this statement?”

33.2 per cent of 327 respondents said that the CEO or C-Suite would strongly agree with the opinion, 47.8 per cent would agree and 14.6 per cent would slightly agree, making a total of 95.6 per cent agreeing to some degree and just 4.4 per cent disagreeing.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, commented: “This result is very encouraging for the meetings industry worldwide. While many people in the industry have increasingly sensed supportive attitudes, we are pleasantly surprised by these positive results, especially as they are credible representing the opinions of senior industry buyers and suppliers who are well placed to assess the views of Board level directors.”

“It seems that all the hard work that has been invested into demonstrating the value of meetings has started to gain recognition at the top of the corporate world.”

At the same time, the IMEX Group has just released on its website highlights of Bill McDermott’s impressive keynote speech at the opening ceremony of IMEX in Frankfurt 2015. His positive view of the benefits of meetings included “Meetings matter; you have to celebrate the victories, reinvent the business and inspire the people.”

To view excerpts from Bill’s speech see here.