IMEX Frankfurt is an annual event that brings together the global events and venue world. You may know it as a platform for hotel representatives, convention and visitors bureaus, and other industry players to showcase their offerings. But we know it as a magical cosmos that brings all our global contacts together for three days of mind-blowing creativity, connection-building and trendsetting, the likes of which we very rarely see.
The Whole World in the Palm of Your Hand
At Trademark, we pride ourselves on finding the absolutely perfect venues and experiences for our clients’ events – which means we scour the globe to recommend creative, cost-effective locations, from the outlandish and obscure to traditional. We stay up to date on every destination that may be the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable event, and IMEX was a great way to reconnect with our hotel, convention and visitors bureau and event venue contacts and partners. Our global network is ever-expanding and evolving. There is nothing like connecting face to face!
The IMEX Frankfurt show floor was massive with over 3,000 exhibitors from virtually every country represented. Every major hotel group had a beautifully designed booth. IMEX provided an opportunity to meet with representatives from nearly every major hotel from any region across the globe. This made it possible to go around the world in just a few days.
Strengthening Relationships
Trademark has hundreds of hotel and venue relationships. We know the cities, the properties, and the hotels and venues that are trending. To stay on top of it, we are always nurturing our relationships with the best of the best in the industry. These relationships give us first hand knowledge about each hotel or venue, and allow us to negotiate the right location, at the right price, with the support of our friends and colleagues in the organizations. These relationships are truly an asset that we leverage on behalf of our clients, and are essential to ensure that events are executed smoothly and within budget.
The same goes for Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) to showcase the best their city or region has to offer. While they don’t recommend any one venue, hotel or service, they do know what’s hot and what’s not in their city. They often provide insights about the best venues, incentives, and local culture, community, activities and unique experiences. They also know the ins and outs of transportation, local regulations and requirements, permits, fees, and licenses that might be required for the event. Strengthening relationships with CVBs gives us important insights into local tidbits and off-the-beaten-path locations or attractions in their city. They also share hidden gems that can’t be provided by a single hotel or venue, such as local cultural color, a historic site, natural wonder or unique experience in their area. These insights allow us to paint a picture of the entire experience, not just the production and agenda that might take place within the hotel or venue.
Trending Topics at IMEX
While there were amazing and creative displays that show off hotels, venues and cities, virtually every hotel and CVB showcased their sustainability and eco-friendliness initiatives. Every top hotel and venue has a mature sustainability program that includes water and energy conservation, waste management, preservation of local ecosystems and environment, the use of non-biodegradeable chemicals or material, and alternative services and supplies that are more eco-friendly. This is in line with the growing consciousness about sustainability across industries and attendees.
Experience-based hotels were another trend that emerged from the event. These hotels offer immersive experiences that go beyond just providing a place to stay. For example, all-hands retreats in unusual locations allow attendees to focus and immerse themselves in local culture. Think remote islands, dirt road venues, hidden gems nestled in cultural corners, buzzing locations in the center of metropolitan hot spots, meditation rooms and health and wellness rooms chock full of ambient lighting…the list goes on and on.
Do you have dream hotels or global regions that you think are out of reach for your corporate events? Think again. Take a look at just a few of the heavyweights that we liaised with at IMEX, and reach out to us if you’d like to make your dream a reality:
- Amadria Park
- Breining Group Inc.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku’damm
- Hilton Austria
- Hilton Austria & Czech Republic
- Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center
- Hilton Prauge
- Hilton Worldwide Sales
- Head of BD Convention, Madrid
- Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Istanbul CVB
- London & Partners /London Convention Bureau
- London Convention Bureau
- Marriott (Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen & Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort)
- Marriott International
- Melia Hotels Madrid
- Melia Hotels Mexico
- RIU Plaza España
- RIU Plaza London Victoria
- Sodexo Live!, Spain
- The Royal Sonesta
- The Sol Group Corporation
- Waldorf Astoria Berlin
- Westin Golf Resort & Spa Playa Conchal
Watch this space to get a preview of some of the creative ways we put the hottest event trends into play at the world’s most sought-after, unique venues. Contact us to learn how we can create your next vibrant, unforgettable experience.