IMEX in Frankfurt plans to offer a wide range of experiences, education and experts from May 21-23, enabling planners to discover the latest best practice in business, as well as developments in diversity and inclusion. A session taking place on EduMonday, a dedicated afternoon of education taking place the day before the show on May 20, will focus on cultural diversity. Cultural differences and their impact on destination management explores how to prepare for a culturally different client as well as the principles that should guide planners globally, regardless of local customs.
“Organizations, which embrace diversity, will see positive repercussions throughout their business from staff motivation and engagement to heightened innovation and a boosted bottom line,” says IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer. “Diversity means diversity of people, minds, ideas and approaches—it’s something we value at IMEX and recognize as crucial to the future success of the events industry. That’s why it forms a core part of our offering at IMEX in Frankfurt this year,” explaining the show’s spotlight on diversity ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8.
She Means Business
Also taking place on EduMonday is She Means Business, created in partnership with tw tagungswirtschaft, a conference celebrating the role of women in the events industry. As one of the inspiring speakers debating the crucial issues facing women today, Gernot Sendowski, director of HR Global Diversity & Inclusion at Deutsche Bank AG, will deliver a male perspective on gender equality and female empowerment as well as exploring the German and European diversity charters. Angela Dern, head of Diversity & Inclusion at PricewaterhouseCoopers, will talk about gender equality as an economic imperative and will detail the U.N. Women 10x10x10 Impact Commitment, an initiative engaging 10 governments, corporations and universities around the world.
Registration for the show is free of charge and open to all in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry. International Women’s Day is on March 8 celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Inspiring Inclusivity
Developing leadership skills to manage and motivate a diverse team is covered in one of the many education sessions taking place on the show floor during the three days of the show—Industry Best Practices on How to be an Inclusive Leader. The session at the Inspiration Hub will explore the best practices and communication models required to become an inclusive leader.
The design of an event can impact inclusivity. This will be discussed in redesigning inclusive events by overcoming unconscious bias. The session will show planners how to uncover their unconscious bias and discover practical ways of designing events to embrace diversity and inclusion.
Planners, buyers and other visitors can explore destinations, venues, tech providers and more. Among the many exhibitors already confirmed are New Zealand, Senses of Cuba, Barcelona Convention Bureau, Visit Brussels, Kempinski Hotels, Meliá Hotels and Latvia. During the three days of the IMEX tradeshow, buyers can meet and making appointments with more than 3,500 suppliers from every sector of the global meetings and events industry.
IMEX in Frankfurt 2019 will take place at Messe Frankfurt from May 21-23, with EduMonday, its pre-show day of learning and insights on May 20. For more info, visit www.imex-frankfurt.com
IMEX America 2019, America’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, will be held Sept.10-12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian and Palazzo, preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI on Sept. 9. For more info, visit www.imexamerica.com
