From the packed program of discussions, presentations and networking, participants will gain valuable insights from peers and expert speakers about the ways that associations are tackling the issue of remaining relevant in the MICE industry, including demographic, financial and technological perspectives.
Association executives from 40 countries will be discovering and developing solutions to the vital industry question – “how to keep your association relevant” – to potential and existing members at this year’s IMEX Association Day. This unique annual event is taking place on Monday, April 18, 2016, at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel.
For the first time this year, the Day will open with a keynote session. The engaging speaker will be Charles Leadbeater, a leading authority on innovation and creativity who advises major internationally known organizations such as the BBC, Vodafone, Microsoft and Ericsson.
A number of the sessions have been designed and will be co-delivered by leading industry associations including ICCA and ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership and the program has been developed in conjunction with the International Association of Facilitators. After a networking lunch and the keynote speech, delegates will choose between four topics in each of the two afternoon sessions. The full day will conclude with relaxed drinks and dinner with invited industry guests at the popular Association Evening at the Marriott Hotel, Frankfurt.
As a result of a new partnership between the Association Management Companies Institute (AMCI) and IMEX, AMCI will for the first time hold a co-located educational program, “Association Management Companies – A Focused Look at Challenges & Solutions!,” on the morning of Association Day. The program is aimed at existing AMCI members and potential members.
Tina Wehmeir, CEO of the AMC Institute, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with IMEX to provide exclusive association management company-focused education on IMEX Association Day. We have assembled a powerful line-up of thought leaders to facilitate the transfer of knowledge based on years of experience working in the association management company industry.”
More than 300 association professionals who have registered as either a Hosted Buyer or a Visitor for the IMEX trade show are expected to attend the day which is exclusively open to association executives. The event’s host sponsors are the Marriott Frankfurt and Starwood Hotels & Resorts and its supporting sponsors are Business Events Australia, Vienna Convention Bureau, Jerusalem Conventions & Visitors Bureau and Your Singapore.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group commented: “At Association Day 2015 we asked all participants during the opening plenary session “what is the biggest challenge associations face?” The resounding message was relevancy. Association Day 2016 is a unique opportunity for these dedicated professionals to come together with their peers and share experiences on such a vital subject. The comprehensive, highly collaborative program will provide valuable answers to help them to tackle this major issue.
“This new partnership with AMCI is an exciting initiative for IMEX and we are very happy that AMCI and many of its international members will be joining us in Frankfurt. I am sure that AMCI members will take away valuable new knowledge and benefit greatly from the experience, not only the superb speaker sessions arranged for the morning and Association Day but also from visiting the IMEX show itself, with its extensive range of suppliers, education and networking opportunities.”
IMEX in Frankfurt takes place at Messe Frankfurt from April 19-21, 2016.
The IMEX Group also runs IMEX America, America’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings & events, which will take place October 18-20, 2016 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian® | The Palazzo®, preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI on October 17.
eTN is a media partner for IMEX.
