ADVENTURES AT IMEX FRANKFURT 2024
A whirlwind weekend, Speaker and Hosted Buyer edition 💅
Just a couple of weeks ago, our very own Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing travelled to Germany to attend IMEX Frankfurt 2024 as Speakers and Hosted Buyers. Fuelled by coffee and pastries, they enjoyed a wild weekend of connection-making, networking activities and incredible industry panels - and they even put on a session themselves! Read on for a peek behind the curtain at their favourite takeaways.
What is IMEX?
IMEX Frankfurt is the largest trade show of its kind in Europe, created for the global meetings, events and travel industry. Hosted annually and attracting thousands of organisers and suppliers (literally, thouuusands), the show is a prime opportunity to connect with professionals across the world and optimise your events, meetings and experiences. With Hosted Buyer status unlocked, 🔓 Cat and Eloise had access to a worldwide audience , including flexible meetings with exhibitors, professional development resources access to the list of attendees and VIP treatment with a dedicated Hosted Buyer Lounge. It’s a hard life… 🍸
STAND-OUT MOMENTS
Cat and Eloise’s top picks from IMEX 2024 ⬇️
Fay Sharpe & Regina Mehler on the Gender Pay Gap
Starting off strong with a panel discussing pay inequality, hosted by two powerhouse women. With the gender pay gap in the EU standing at 12.7% as of 2021, this topic carries huge importance and, as a female-led business, personal significance. Fay and Regina discussed the importance of negotiation, offered practical advice, and shared insights from their own experiences and inspiring careers. Everyone left feeling a little more fired up than they did when they arrived.🔥
5km IMEX RUN
How often do you get to bring your trainers to a networking event?! Known to be absolute weapons, Cat and Eloise had zero concerns about getting stuck in with a 5km run to kick off a jam-packed day at IMEX. A fun, sociable, wellness-focused activity (and a great opportunity for some extra Strava kudos. Iykyk.) - a 10/10 start to the day.
Future Event Leads Roundtable
Next on the agenda, our dynamic duo took part as table hosts in the Future Event Leads roundtable sessions. These sessions, organised by Hannah Lee, were aimed at inspiring the next generation of event professionals. Rotating groups of students sat down with Cat and Eloise across the afternoon, as they shared their wisdom, career advice, stories and tips for industry success. It was at a very similar event, hosted by Manchester Metropolitan University, that Cat and Eloise first met, so this one was extra special. ✨
Cat & Eloise enjoying an interactive session
Melva LaJoy Legrand on Women and Our Worthiness
Another fantastic collaborative session, where Melva dived deep into gender in the professional landscape and the lack of women in senior management positions. Filled with actionable advice to manage imposter syndrome and discussions about the importance of female allyship in the workplace, this was another talk that left everyone invigorated.
Recording a Podcast Episode 🎙️
With season one of The Neon Lounge nearing its end, an opportunity to record an episode live in Frankfurt could not be missed. For the finale episode of this season, Cat and Eloise sat down with Felicia Asiedu from Cvent to discuss their highlights and favourite takeaways from the event. Sooo if you want even more IMEX goss, you should probably check it out… (available now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You know the drill 😉)
Food, Drinks and Face-time
Amidst all the excitement IMEX had to offer, sometimes you just can’t beat the simple things in life. Between good coffee, amazing food and fabulous company, the gals had an absolute blast. Catching up with past podcast guests, including Carlos, Tamar and Adam, getting some face-time with long-distance industry friends, and dinners with new connections, a weekend of human interaction goes a long way in our remote working world!
Speaking on the Strength of Female-Founded Agencies
Last, but certainly not least, it was time for Cat and Eloise to deliver a talk, titled “Unveiling the Strength of Female-Founded Agencies”. Joined by the firecracker Gemma Bassett, they discussed all things building and running an events agency, breaking glass ceilings, how female founders are driving change in the industry and navigating business challenges while leading empathetically. An undeniable slay.
Gemma, Cat and Eloise speaking on their panel. So profesh.
With that, it was time for our two adventurers to make their way home after an incredible few days at IMEX Frankfurt 2024. A huge thank you to the team at IMEX for making this experience possible and so wonderful!
Fancy a slice of the action? Click for more information about IMEX Frankfurt 2025 and get yourself signed up for IMEX America, taking place later this year. Will we be seeing you there?
Written by Hatty Cadman on 29/05/2024