Building a legacy: How Frankfurt and IMEX created the world’s most important business event partnership14th November 2025 | published by Conference & Meetings World SHARE

IMEX isn’t just a trade show – it’s woven into Frankfurt’s identity. For over two decades, its alliance with Messe Frankfurt has elevated the city to a global hub for meetings and events, generating hundreds of millions in economic impact and attracting professionals worldwide. This collaboration between IMEX, Messe Frankfurt, and the city exemplifies how partnership and vision can shape a destination. For Frankfurt, IMEX is more than an event – it’s a legacy shared by an entire community.

Iain Stirling spoke to Eva Klinger, director sales and marketing guest events at Messe Frankfurt, and Jutta Heinrich, director of the Frankfurt Convention Bureau, about the legacy of IMEX, Frankfurt’s unique appeal, and how events continue to shape the city’s global identity.

Iain Stirling: Eva, how would you describe the role of events in shaping Messe Frankfurt’s identity and its contribution to the local economy?

Eva Klinger: Events are in our DNA. Messe Frankfurt operates as a venue, an organiser, and a service provider. This triple role gives us a unique impact on the Rhine-Main economy. Through both our own trade fairs and guest events, we’re a pillar of Frankfurt’s economic success.

IS: Can you quantify that impact?

EK: In 2024, we hosted 153 trade fairs worldwide, welcoming nearly 100,000 exhibitors and 3.9 million visitors, with total attendance reaching 4.6 million people. Our sales peaked at €775 million, with over half our revenue generated in Germany – most of it in Frankfurt. These events power the local economy, creating demand for hotels, restaurants, and business services.

We employ around 1,450 people locally, but the ripple effect is far greater. Crucially, 83% of our exhibitors and nearly 60% of visitors come from abroad, reinforcing Frankfurt as a truly international business hub beyond its financial reputation.

IS: Jutta, what does Messe Frankfurt represent for the city – and what has IMEX meant to Frankfurt over the years?

Jutta Heinrich: Messe Frankfurt is indispensable for us. It allows us to host large-scale events that elevate Frankfurt’s profile far beyond being a financial hub. IMEX, in particular, is our industry’s flagship moment – it’s when the whole meetings world comes to Frankfurt.

We’ve supported IMEX from its earliest days. I still remember when Ray Bloom and Paul Flackett first visited in 2001 to pitch what they called “The Frankfurt Project.” Nobody even knew the name yet! When they finally announced IMEX, the excitement was incredible. It’s been part of my career ever since and a great honour to witness its growth.

IS: Does IMEX stand out among your other major events?

JH: Absolutely. Every event matters, but IMEX puts Frankfurt on the world stage like no other. Delegates come from across the globe – many experiencing the city for the first time. It changes perceptions: people realise Frankfurt isn’t just banks and skyscrapers. They discover the green spaces, museums, apple wine taverns, and the cultural side of the city.

EK: When people in the industry think of Frankfurt, they immediately think of IMEX. For us, hosting it is both an honour and a showcase. For the 20th anniversary, we even planted the “IMEX Tree” on our grounds – symbolising our long-term partnership.

Sustainability is a key part of that partnership. Together with the IMEX team, we hold regular meetings to share ideas and develop new initiatives. That collaboration keeps both sides evolving.

IS: What scale of events do you manage annually?

EK: It varies, but we typically run 13–15 of our own exhibitions in Frankfurt and host another 250 guest events, including trade fairs, congresses, concerts, and corporate events. Our venue covers 400,000 square metres indoors and 60,000 outdoors – making us the world’s largest organiser with our own site.

IS: How challenging is it operationally to host shows like IMEX?

EK: Our team is very experienced. We host major global shows such as SIBOS with 12,500 attendees, so IMEX fits seamlessly within our calendar. We have ten exhibition halls and four locations, designed for multiple events running simultaneously. Coordination, communication, and experience keep it running smoothly – it’s like a perfectly tuned orchestra.

IS: Jutta, what distinguishes Frankfurt from other German cities as an event destination?

JH: Accessibility and compactness. Everything is close: Messe Frankfurt is minutes from the airport and surrounded by over 12,000 hotel rooms within walking distance. Public transport is excellent and safe, and the city’s international character – home to people from 180 nations – translates into incredible culinary diversity.

Frankfurt’s scale is ideal for events: big enough to offer global connectivity but compact enough for delegates to feel at home.

IS: Do you and your teams collaborate with IMEX year-round?

JH: Yes, closely. Messe Frankfurt, the Frankfurt Convention Bureau, the German Convention Bureau, and IMEX form a quartet of partners. We meet regularly in Frankfurt or Brighton to plan improvements.

For instance, visitors are now greeted at Frankfurt Airport via digital screens, and hotel guests receive a welcome letter from the Lord Mayor. At the venue, attendees are handed cookies from Eva’s team on day one – small touches that make people feel welcome. On the IMEX app, we share maps and personal recommendations for restaurants and attractions. It’s about giving visitors a sense of belonging.

EK: These personal details matter. They transform an event from a business trip into an experience, and that’s what makes IMEX in Frankfurt memorable.

IS: Has hosting IMEX directly increased Frankfurt’s profile internationally?

JH: Without question. Having IMEX here gives us credibility everywhere we go. Many planners already know the city from attending IMEX, and that familiarity builds trust.

It also brings other high-level meetings. Associations like ICCA and PCMA often schedule gatherings during IMEX week because they know the whole industry will be here. Frankfurt becomes the beating heart of the global events community.

EK: During IMEX week, you feel it – the energy across the city. Restaurants, hotels, and streets are full of event professionals reconnecting. Seeing that buzz makes us proud.

IS: What’s being done to ensure Frankfurt continues to host IMEX and attract major events?

JH: We’ve established Frankfurt MICE 2030, a joint task force with Messe Frankfurt, the Chamber of Commerce, and leading hotels. We want all major players aligned. When clients approach us, we bring everyone around one table – creating unified solutions rather than fragmented offers.

Our partnership with IMEX is continuous. Carina Bauer regularly meets with our hotel association to share updates and strengthen bonds.

EK: We never take this partnership for granted. After 23 years, it feels like family, but we constantly innovate. We exchange ideas, explore new concepts, and act proactively. Long-term relationships thrive on creativity and commitment.

IS: Are there any new developments in the city that enhance its appeal?

JH: Yes, several. Many hotels are being refurbished or newly built – like The Florentin opening in late 2025 and the Kennedy 89 Frankfurt, a Hyatt Unbound Collection property, just nearby. At the airport, Terminal 3 will open in 2026, further boosting accessibility.

Then there’s the Frankfurt Congress Card launching next year, giving delegates discounts at museums, restaurants, and attractions. It’s designed to encourage visitors to extend their stay and explore more of the city.

Sustainability also plays a big role. Frankfurt’s extensive rail network connects it to cities across Germany and Europe, offering greener travel choices.

IS: Germany has a dense network of strong convention cities. How does Messe Frankfurt stay competitive?

EK: Germany’s event landscape thrives on quality, reliability, and cooperation. While competition is strong, we also collaborate through the “Seven Centres of Germany” alliance to attract international events to the country.

Messe Frankfurt itself is the world’s largest organiser with its own exhibition grounds, operating 29 subsidiaries and 50 sales partners in 180 countries. We manage trade fairs, concerts, corporate events – you name it – and we provide a full spectrum of in-house services from construction to media and catering.

Our heritage gives us depth: Messe Frankfurt’s