The International Trade Show IMEX Frankfurt was held from May 23rd to 25th at the Messe Frankfurt congress centre, marking the complete return of the meetings industry to the international market. This was evident from the numbers of nearly 3,000 exhibitors who had the opportunity to meet with over 3,500 business travel and event organizers from around the world. Dubrovnik also presented its offer of meetings capacities, event locations, incentive ideas, and other business tourism content, generating the most interest from buyers from distant markets such as the United States and Australia. "This is confirmation of Dubrovnik's excellent reputation as a high-quality MICE destination, and Dubrovnik's excellent high position in the recently published ICCA ranking of meetings destinations also supports this," said Romana Vlašić, Head of the Convention Bureau and International Market Development at the Dubrovnik Tourist Board.
This year's IMEX was marked by new trends and showcased what it means to design participant experiences with sustainability and purpose in mind, ensuring accessibility, inclusivity, higher standards of psychological safety, and the well-being of all involved in the events industry. The trade show featured a selection of high-quality locally sourced food with low carbohydrate content, as well as a multitude of comfortable and innovative spaces for rest and work, along with subdued lighting in Pavilion 9, making the entire event more enjoyable and ultimately increasing its value as a platform for business deals and education. As in previous years, numerous expert lectures and panels on event organization were held during the show, presenting the latest trends, research, and successful case studies.
Specific inquiries and offers for international association meetings and incentives in Dubrovnik
The Convention Bureau of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (DTB) presented the Dubrovnik MICE offer as part of the Croatian Tourist Board's stand, along with 13 co-exhibitors. Over 40 meetings were held, mostly with meetings and conference organizers, as well as incentive and corporate event organizers. The greatest interest in Dubrovnik was shown by buyers from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, as well as from Israel, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, and Poland. The inquiries mainly concerned the organization of association meetings until 2027 and incentive trips from 2024 to 2026. Concrete interest in organizing events in Dubrovnik was recorded at this year's IMEX. Therefore, the participating hotels are already working on their offers, and site inspections are planned. Follow-ups are currently underway for all held meetings.
In addition to DTB, Dubrovnik was represented at IMEX by the hotel groups Valamar and Adriatic Luxury Hotels, as well as the Dubrovnik Sun Gardens resort, within the Croatian Tourist Board's stand. Apart from individual meetings, a series of group presentations for pre-selected buyers were also held. The Welcome party on the first day of the show, with prize trips to Dubrovnik, Zagreb, and Šibenik, was particularly attractive and well-attended.
The business tourism offer of Dubrovnik was also presented outside of the Croatian stand by PCO and DMC agencies Adria Events and Dubrovnik Travel, while Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel was represented at Marriott's global stand.
The next IMEX Frankfurt will be held from May 14th to 16th 2024, and IMEX America from October 17th to 19th 2023, in Las Vegas.