On Wednesday (March 11), the IMEX Group announced the cancellation of this year’s IMEX in Frankfurt (scheduled for May 12-14), citing uncertainty caused by local endorsements and recommendations for banning events in excess of 1,000 participants as well as the trade group’s own responsibility towards exhibitors and partners.
“We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to the exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals who were due to attend the show, but also to the global business events community,” according to a statement signed by Ray Bloom and Carina Bauer, IMEX Group chairman and CEO, respectively.
The idea to ban events of a certain size is gaining political support in Germany, specifically in Hesse, the state in which Frankfurt is located. As a result, Bloom and Bauer said, “This…makes the probability of factors outside our control forcing us to cancel the show at the last minute much higher.”
“Whilst only a short time ago we felt optimistic that May was far enough away to confidently proceed with our plans, as it stands today [11 March] we cannot guarantee the one thing that our exhibitors trust us above all else to deliver—namely a large-scale, high quality hosted buyer programme,” the statement continued. “In an ideal world we would wait and see. But we are in the real world and we cannot, in all good conscience, ask our exhibitors to continue to invest money against which they may not get a return.
“Both of these factors—uncertainty around whether IMEX will be allowed to proceed, as well as doubts as to the number of buyers who will be able to attend—have led us to the conclusion that we now have no option but to cancel IMEX in Frankfurt.” (Read the complete statement from the IMEX Group.)
Expressing sympathy and understanding for the IMEX Group and the entire meeting industry impacted by the novel coronavirus, MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer said, “At MPI, we are so very saddened to hear from our dear friends that IMEX Frankfurt is being canceled due to concerns related to the Novel Coronavirus. We know that this action by IMEX was heavily informed. It reflects their commitment to upholding a responsibility to their exhibitors and sponsors and the well-being of all onsite attendees and operational staff. As their strategic partner, we will continue to provide the highest level of support to our friends at IMEX, who will be crucial for the recovery of our industry as we push through this current challenge.”
Support for the IMEX Group and this tough decision immediately spread via social media:
“We love IMEX. It’s such an important date in our calendar. IMEX gives us the possibility to connect with all our hoteliers and important MICE agencies. We understand your decision and we wish you all the best.” @hotelrepublic
“Definitely disappointed. But understand your position and thank you for your concern of the exhibitors, sponsors and hosted buyers. Looking forward to IMEX 2021!” @EChou_Niagara
“In Germany, Europe and the world, the coronavirus prevents people from exhibitions and conferences. Germany is an export country and an exhibition country. Of the 667 trade fairs and exhibitions that have been cancelled and postponed so far, 353 are in Europe and 114 of them in Germany," said Kerstin Wünsch, editor in chief of tw tagungswirtschaft and co-founder of She Means Business.
Focus on the Future
"It will take a long time before we see the full extent of the crisis," Wünsch continued. "But I am confident, the meeting industry is about people and will stand together. The coronavirus will go away—we will stay.”
Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO of Trinity EDGE Holdings Ltd., agrees, noting that “the legacy following these face-to-face events lasts 12 times over what a digital or video conference would last. You cannot beat the experience of a live event. The events industry is remarkably robust and will come back twice as strong in the near future.”
Looking to the near future, Kevin Kirby, executive director of the MPI Foundation, expressed the need to prepare for recovery throughout our industry, noting ways MPI members can do that via education and support from the association.
“Obviously, their decision wasn’t easy, but from what we’ve experienced in our cumulative careers, we need to plan for our recovery now,” Kirby said. “The MPI Academy is presenting a variety of webinars next week to help people make informed decisions and navigate these uncertain times, and the MPI Foundation remains steadfast in supporting those that desire to maintain their professional memberships and development through a variety of scholarships.”
There’s still all the greatness you’ve come to expect from IMEX on the horizon as the group moves full steam ahead, focused on delivering the 10th edition of IMEX America this September in Las Vegas.
“Sending a big (virtual) hug to our Brighton friends at @IMEX_Group. We still very much look forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas later this year!” @johnDmartinez
Kavanagh says EDGE Venues is “constantly striving to grow data, knowledge and a community for our group of buyers. IMEX is all about building relationships and providing people with a valuable networking opportunity. They cut to the chase and get straight down to business. Their messages are not diluted and therefore provide vital up-to-date knowledge and a B2B networking opportunity that allows us to share information, build relationships and ultimately build a community.”
Lesley Williams, managing director of BestCities, says “the alliance is deeply sorry to hear about the unfortunate cancellation of IMEX Frankfurt as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. With the temporary loss of this integral event in our industry calendar, it’s never been more important to remain unified as a global community.”
Miguel Neves, CMP, DES, of Miguelseven.com says the cancellation of IMEX came as shock to all.
“Given the current, and constantly developing, COVID-19 pandemic, this was the only responsible decision,” he says. “As much as we know that it hurts the industry and many companies are at risk, no event wants to be responsible for the spreading of the virus and its potential deadly consequences—especially not the industry’s leading event. It is a sad day for the industry, but we must unite and work together towards a strong recovery. We look forward to, in a not-so-distant future, being able to provide event participants with outstanding event experiences where they can once again fully enjoy meeting and doing business face to face.”
Visit mpi.org/coronavirus for updates on the impact of the Novel Coronavirus on the meeting industry.
