From Frankfurt to Vegas – The
IMEX Story of Global Connection
and Growth
ES. IMEX has become one of the most influential global events for the MICE industry. How do you see its journey so far, and what developments have shaped its evolution over the years?
Ray Bloom. The journey of IMEX so far has been shaped by our deep-rooted connection with the global business events industry. We’ve evolved hand in hand with the sector, working to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the buyers and suppliers who come to our two shows, IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America, each year. Many of our team are active members of global industry associations and organizations—this has helped us to develop deep, longstanding relationships with our worldwide community as well as gain insight into the international market. The hosted buyer program remains a key hallmark of our shows and our team work closely with partners to bring in thousands of meeting planners from around the world to do business in person with exhibitors at each of our shows. At IMEX Frankfurt in May, for example, a total of 67,000 meetings were booked.
ES. How is IMEX helping stakeholders adapt to the rise of digital tools, AI, and sustainability demands?
Ray Bloom. We’re investing in technologies, such as AI, to drive value for our buyers and exhibitors. One example is our recent enhancements to the event platform to streamline registration and simplify the meeting booking process. We make incremental technical improvements as we go along to improve the show experience each time. Our approach is to share what we learn with our stakeholders and attendees. For example: we have an education track dedicated to exploring tech innovation and AI, and we’ve worked closely with some of our technology partners to deliver bespoke learning sessions about our experiences.
Sustainability has long been a core business value, right from the very first IMEX Frankfurt back in 2002. Each year since, we’ve reviewed our sustainability efforts for each show—building on our successes and pinpointing what we can improve. As with our approach to technology, we share what we learn. Our measurements and evaluations for each show are detailed in a report and shared with the wider industry to inspire and give examples of how the environmental impact of events can be improved.
ES. We’re seeing India’s presence grow at IMEX. What is your perspective on India’s emerging role in the global events space?
Ray Bloom. The potential is huge: India has always been an important part of the global business events sector, and with the opening of several new convention centers and the development of the private sector, the country is set to become an even more significant global player. Over recent years, we’ve seen India grow its presence at IMEX. There are many Indian participants in the Hosted Buyer program at both our shows, for example. At our forthcoming show, IMEX America, taking place this October, we’re set to welcome the largest contingent of Indian buyers to date.
ES. How do you envision the future of IMEX in the coming years? Any expansion or strategic evolution on the horizon?
Ray Bloom. Our plans are to continue to focus on our two shows, IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America—there are no plans to create new tradeshows in other markets. Both of our shows have grown: IMEX Frankfurt in May was the biggest ever in terms of exhibitor floor space, and we reported record attendance at IMEX America in October last year. Our shows are very much a reflection of the industry, and this growth points to a strong and buoyant sector. There are many changes and challenges in the world, but our industry is proving to be adaptable and resilient.
ES. You attended the Exhibition Excellence Awards 2025. What were your key takeaways from the event, and how do you view its contribution to the exhibition industry in India?
Ray Bloom. The awards were an important indication of the significance of this sector to the country and demonstrated the sheer scope of India’s many achievements in this area. India has many highly respected event professionals who are recognized both nationally and globally, and I was delighted to meet many of them at the event.
