(Pictured above: IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer & Chair Ray Bloom)
For the second year in a row, IMEX in Frankfurt, the annual meetings industry tradeshow held in Frankfurt, Germany, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic’s effect on the travel and meetings industry.
Ray Bloom, chair of the IMEX Group, and Carina Bauer, the company’s CEO, released a statement that began, “It is with regret that we announce the cancellation of IMEX in Frankfurt 2021, due to take place at Messe Frankfurt May 25-27.”
“We know the timing of our announcement comes as a blow so early in 2021,” it continuea. “More than anything, and like you, we’re eager to deliver some good news and mark a fresh start. When we were compelled to cancel IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America last year we hoped 2021 would see the early recovery of the industry and the IMEX shows. We still believe wholeheartedly that a resurgence will come, but sadly we do not believe it will happen in time for us to deliver a strong and successful event in May.
“IMEX in Frankfurt is a hugely global event—our exhibitors and buyers represent 150-plus countries — and we are, therefore, reliant on international travel routes being open in the coming weeks to allow our buyers and exhibitors from across the world to confirm their participation.”
They went on to point out that the vaccine rollout and improvements in rapid-testing programs create optimism for the prospects of the industry and of travel in general. “We are very confident that we’ll be able to deliver a successful IMEX America in Las Vegas Nov. 9-11, as well as the 20th anniversary edition of IMEX in Frankfurt in 2022 (April 26-28). The IMEX team is already working hard with our partners in both locations to create and deliver successful shows that will drive the future growth and prosperity of our industry.
“In the meantime, we remain committed to value creation. We’ll be working with industry partners on digital activations and experiences that deliver on our mission of uniting and advancing the business events industry—doing everything we can to educate, innovate and help you to make powerful connections with the right people. We remain at the service of the industry and cannot wait to see all our industry friends again in person. When we do deliver another IMEX show, you can count on it being one worth waiting for.”
IMEX takes place at Messe Frankfurt, one of the world’s largest, most modern and connected venues, in the heart of Europe. Home to 250-plus events each year, with 11,500 hotel rooms within walking distance—and just 20 minutes from Frankfurt airport by car or public transport, Messe Frankfurt is a world-class venue for a world-class event. For more info, visit https://www.imex-frankfurt.com/
