IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer
The 2023 edition of the IMEX Frankfurt meetings industry trade show, taking place May 23-25, is expected to attract 3,500
buyers — most of them hosted —and more than 3,000 exhibitors from
around the world. IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer
gave Northstar Meetings Group a preview of what participants can expect at this
year’s event.
Will there be any notable changes among the buyers and
exhibitors this year?
Bauer: The lifting of travel restrictions across Asia has had a
great knock-on effect and we’ve seen a real surge of interest from across the
region. Destinations such as Indonesia, Taiwan, India and Sri Lanka are among
the Asian exhibitors returning to the show. Others have increased their show
presence. For example, Sarawak, the largest of Malaysia’s 13 states, will have
its own stand for the first time and will also be joined by the region's
tourism minister during the show.
Likewise, we’re seeing a high level of interest from buyers
across Asia. We currently have double the number of confirmed buyers from this
region compared to the same period last year. These Asia buyers represent a
broad mix of both agencies and corporate, covering sectors such as insurance
and tech.
Will Russian groups and suppliers again be banned from
participating in this year’s event?
Bauer: As a direct result of the current political situation, our
decision to suspend Russian state enterprises from participating at IMEX
remains unchanged. We do this with a heavy heart, understanding that the world
is in an unprecedented situation. However, we’re aware there are many Russian
individuals or privately owned businesses who may wish to participate in the
show in different ways and all of these people are welcome at IMEX.
Which of the more than 150 education courses and events at IMEX Frankfurt 2023 are you most excited about?
Bauer: We’re opening up discussions around inclusivity in the
business events sector by bringing IMEX AVoice4All,
which we launched at IMEX America, to the
Frankfurt show. This is a series of sessions, in association with Destination
Toronto, exploring neurodiversity and guided by advice from psychologists and
industry experts including Google, the Clean Air Task Force
and the Listening Lab.
The Listening Lab will also offer bookable one-to-one
coaching sessions. For me personally, bringing them to the show is partly a
result of the business coaching that I experienced through the pandemic. I
found it really valuable, and it made me see the power of great coaching and
the opportunity to be truly listened to.
Our operations team is putting their energy into making our
on-site environment as accessible as possible by addressing physical, audio,
visual and neurodiverse needs. For example, we’ll introduce accessible
counters and have dedicated workspace areas on the show floor that provide
quiet spaces for regrouping.
How did you choose human nature as the talking point for
2023?
Bauer: We had a robust debate last year about potential talking points
but, in the end, we all agreed on the importance and need to feel uplifted and
positive about the future of the planet and the human race.
We see so much hardship and adversity in our daily newsfeeds,
but these stories don’t represent the totality of the human experience. Where’s
all the good news about humans collaborating, being kind to each other or
thinking like global citizens? Our talking point, therefore, has a positive,
post-pandemic twist: We’re using it to focus on what’s good, constructive and
loving about being human; about our positive potential and ability to change,
adapt and thrive together.