On the eve of the grand opening of IMEX Frankfurt 2024, event professionals from across the globe converged for specialized education sessions designed to reshape the future of corporate and association events. These sessions provided a unique platform for learning and exchange ahead of the main expo.
Exclusively Corporate: Addressing Challenges and Creative Solutions
At the Melia Frankfurt City, corporate event planners from over 25 countries gathered under the banner of Exclusively Corporate. This session offered them a rare opportunity to network and share insights across industries, each bringing their unique perspectives shaped by diverse professional backgrounds in marketing, tourism, and human resources. Sonia Cuchillo from the European Central Bank highlighted the session’s relevance, noting the high expectations of clients that demand new, creative solutions within strict budgets and resource limits.
A key discussion point was the prevalent issue of planner burnout. Mike Ford, founder of Grateful Lemon, led a session on managing stress and promoting recovery. “Understanding how to balance stress with adequate recovery is crucial for maintaining professional performance,” Ford explained, emphasizing the importance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being in the workplace.
Association Focus: Elevating Sustainability and Communication
Simultaneously, the Association Focus group convened at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, sponsored by Amsterdam Convention Bureau. This gathering, in collaboration with ICCA, AC Forum, and ASAE, addressed the pressing need for sustainable event solutions. Evelyn Mansutti from the European Association of Nuclear Medicine shared their progressive steps towards sustainability, including measuring CO2 emissions and implementing new green initiatives annually.
Another critical challenge discussed was the overload of information and the struggle to communicate essential messages effectively. Jose Luis Mira Mira of UPEI pointed out the difficulties in raising awareness about sustainability and transitioning to greener energy solutions in a hyper-connected world.
Leveraging AI in Event Planning
A highlight from the sessions was the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing association impacts. Veemal Gungadin, CEO of Gevme, presented on how generative AI could serve as a valuable tool for event planners. “Think of AI as your new brainstorming partner, capable of managing those initial drafts of emails, presentations, and proposals, which frees up your time for more strategic tasks,” said Gungadin. This session underscored AI’s role not as a replacement for creativity but as an aid to streamline the preliminary stages of content creation.
Preparing for a Pioneering Event
As IMEX Frankfurt 2024 officially opens its doors today, the anticipations and challenges addressed in these pre-show sessions set the tone for a transformative event. Participants are armed with fresh insights into battling burnout, harnessing creativity within constraints, and pushing the envelope on sustainability. The event promises to be a melting pot of ideas where industry professionals will explore the latest trends, tackle the most pressing challenges, and discover innovative solutions that will shape the future of the global events industry.
