IMEX Frankfurt 2025: Embracing Impact 2.0 for a Brighter Future in Events
As the excitement builds for IMEX Frankfurt this May, the IMEX Group has unveiled its dynamic theme for 2025: Impact 2.0 – Activating the Future. This annual Talking Point serves as a guiding principle for the upcoming year, shaping the content, research, and storytelling at the IMEX show. It also provides an engaging theme for exhibitors, partners, and attendees to explore throughout the year.
Building on last year’s Impact theme, the 2025 edition aims to address the pressing challenges of our current global climate while emphasizing the importance of taking positive action through events. According to Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, “When we introduced Impact as our 2024 Talking Point, our goal was to inspire change and encourage the industry to reflect on our purpose. However, we recognized that one year was not sufficient. The need for personal connection has never been more critical.” This evolution comes at a time when people are yearning for social interaction and the unique energy that can only be felt in person. Impact 2.0 encourages industry professionals to transform inspiration into actionable change, reinforcing the idea that “there’s no impact without action.”
Three Key Pillars of Impact 2.0
The Talking Point is structured around three crucial areas where events can make a significant difference:
- The Next Generation: With projections indicating that by 2030, Millennials and Generation Z will make up 74% of the workforce, IMEX will explore strategies to make the events industry appealing to this emerging talent pool.
- Social Disconnection and Loneliness: Recognizing loneliness as a critical health issue, the World Health Organization has initiated a Commission on Social Connection. IMEX will delve into how intentional event design can foster belonging and create meaningful connections, addressing the urgent need for community and friendship.
- De-risking the Future: As we approach the 2030 goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement to curb global warming, the focus will be on enhancing the value of attending events while minimizing their carbon footprint. How can we ensure that the environmental impact of events is justified and delivers a credible return on carbon investment?
Experience Impact 2.0 at IMEX Frankfurt
Taking place from May 20-22, IMEX Frankfurt will offer a wealth of opportunities for event planners to engage with these themes. Attendees can look forward to innovative show floor activations, insightful research data, and a dedicated Impact education track featuring a diverse lineup of global speakers sharing their stories of transformation. Moreover, the Talking Point is integrated into the IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award, where entries demonstrating exceptional success in sustainability will earn additional Impact ‘bonus points’.
Applications for this prestigious award are now open, celebrating professionals in meetings, incentives, and exhibitions who are driving sustainability through creativity and collaboration. In conclusion, Bauer emphasizes, “Positive action is at the heart of our Talking Point. We invite the industry to join us in creating real, lasting change. Even small actions can lead to significant ripple effects, fostering a collective, positive impact.” With registration for IMEX Frankfurt opening soon, now is the time for Africa's travel agents to prepare for an event that promises to inspire and activate change in the world of events and beyond.
