IMEX 2021 in Frankfurt Is Cancelled
January 11, 2021
IMEX announced on Monday that it is cancelling its annual trade show and conference in Frankfurt this year. The prestigious trade show and conference was scheduled to be held in Frankfurt, Germany, May 25-27.
In making the announcement, IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom and CEO Carina Bauer said that the organization believed the pace of the coronavirus recovery would prohibit the type of event attendees are used to experiencing.
According to the statement, “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.”
Bloom and Bauer added that they have high confidence that IMEX America will occur Nov. 9-11 in Las Vegas and that it’s full steam ahead for IMEX Frankfurt to return April 26-28, 2022.
Still reeling from challenges from COVID-19, the meetings and events industry is eager for any signs of normalcy. CES 2021 is happening all virtually this week, but other trade shows such as Surf Expo are going in-person as originally scheduled.
The timing was not lost on IMEX, which noted: “The timing of our announcement comes as a blow so early in 2021. More than anything, and like you, we’re eager to deliver some good news and mark a fresh start.”
IMEX is without a doubt one of the industry’s largest and most important events. More than 150 countries are represented—a fact that made this year’s event so challenging. Rules about international travel remain in flux, and many countries in Europe remain in a temporary lockdown.
Sharing the same forecast as many within the trade show world, IMEX predicted the vaccine roll-out will allow for large-scale face-to-face gathering toward the final months of the year. Hence, IMEX Americas appears to be in safe shape.
To keep its attendees engaged, IMEX will continue with its digital offerings to help facilitate future business, educate event professionals and serve as a forum for innovation. Those same ideals will shape IMEX going forward as well, noted Bloom and Bauer.
“When we do deliver another IMEX show — you can count on it being one worth waiting for.”
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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