Brought to you by IMEX Frankfurt

With a global range of exhibitors, learning sessions that dig into today’s most pertinent issues and opportunities to build new connections, IMEX Frankfurt 2024 is set to be a show with impact. From recent meetings with buyers and suppliers across Europe and beyond, the IMEX team knows that planners have constraints on their resources and budgets, and have become much more intentional about how they spend their time, money, and energy.

“In planning IMEX Frankfurt, we’ve been more intentional too. We’ve taken a close look at our attendees, what they want, and why they want it,” said IMEX CEO Carina Bauer. “Doing business will sit front and centre of the show, along with opportunities for event professionals to broaden their global connections. A visit to IMEX Frankfurt will be an efficient and enjoyable experience from start to finish, and one that enables planners to supercharge their desired results.” 

A strong roster of suppliers representing destinations, venues, hotels and technology is already confirmed for the show, taking place from May 14 to 16. The Asian market is growing significantly with Macau, Malaysia, Korea and Singapore all expanding their presence at the show. They join a broad range of European destinations from Croatia, Finland and Ireland to Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.  

Curated content for the event community 

IMEX’s learning programme begins the day before the show, on Monday, May 13, with specialist education for event professionals from associations – Association Focus – and in-house – Exclusively Corporate.  

With burnout on the increase (according to the latest Freeman Trends Report 2024), disabled adventurer Darren Edwards will share his life lessons at both Association Focus and Exclusively Corporate.  

He said: “In an ever-changing world, a business’s ability to adapt and its staff’s mental toughness have become integral to success. My journey tells the story of overcoming a life-changing injury and adapting to a new set of circumstances. After a fateful day when my life hung in the balance on the edge of a rockface, I learned several powerful lessons that have shaped my ability to adapt and remain resilient during difficult times. These lessons are incredibly relevant to businesses and their leaders.” Darren will also join the new Tough Talk sessions, discussing important life challenges in a closed environment. 

First-timers to IMEX can make the most of a welcome package of activities before and during the show. A webinar on April 25 focuses on the team’s top tips for making the most of the show, while an introductory meet-up on the show’s opening day will help newbies meet each other and get their bearings. 

IMEX Frankfurt takes place at Messe Frankfurt from May 14 to 16. Register for IMEX Frankfurt or visit www.imex-frankfurt.com.

Brought to you by INSPIRE Entertainment Resort 

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Officially opened in March 2024, the five-star INSPIRE Entertainment Resort is a new luxurious addition to Yeongjong island. 

Situated in the International Business Center III, to the west of Incheon International Airport, the 1,275-key hotel offers unique and multifaceted venues for events of all needs and sizes. 

“As the first venture into Asia for Mohegan, the American integrated entertainment resort operator, “INSPIRE will set a new standard for resorts supported by innovation and creativity, delivering inspiring spaces and cultural experiences, and we will together contribute to the development of Incheon Yeongjongdo as a world-class tourist destination,” said Chen Si, President of INSPIRE.

Mohegan, a global premier integrated entertainment resort operator, owns INSPIRE. 

Its MICE facilities are where business and pleasure can be combined. INSPIRE boasts the largest hotel ballroom in South Korea, which at 12,000m², can hold 4,000 people. This is complemented by a large business centre, wedding venues including a bridal waiting room and an exclusive entrance for MICE facilities. 

Other facilities include: 

INSPIRE Arena

The centrepiece of its venues is the INSPIRE Arena, Korea’s first multi-purpose arena with 15,000 seats. Equipped with state-of-the-art MICE facilities including a world-class sound system and adaptable seating arrangements, the Arena is designed for the optimal performance experience. 

Seats are staggered to ensure attendees enjoy an unobstructed view with the furthest seat just 75m from the stage. It is ideal for hosting a variety of events including live music performances and sporting events. About 60 per cent of events in the Arena will be concerts, 30 per cent for sports matches and 10 per cent for corporate events, said Michael Jensen, chief marketing officer. 

During the hotel’s opening ceremony, the Arena was the stage for American band Maroon 5 and has since hosted Korean music acts and World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions Incheon.

Rotunda

One cannot overlook the Rotunda, the gateway to the INSPIRE Arena. It houses the ticket booth for the arena and occasionally can host an array of pop-up events, including artist merchandise booths and special exhibitions. 

Drawing the eyes to the heart of the hall is the kinetic chandelier, a massive masterpiece comprising 156 LED panels, each equipped with its own actuator that allows it to move. 

During the resort’s grand opening ceremony, the Rotunda was transformed to accommodate about 500 guests while a large stage with huge LED screens was installed. The kinetic chandelier was pulled up to create more space and give the illusion of a higher ceiling, explained Michael Jensen, chief marketing officer. 

Aurora 

Another eye-catching feature is Aurora, the 150m long, 25m high immersive digital walkway with floor-to-ceiling ultra-high-definition LED screens projecting surrealistic digital art. A digital show will be shown every 30 minutes. It leads to the Rotunda and can be part of an immersive experience for event attendees. 

“Rotunda will be the perfect place to hold a celebration or gathering event with a more dynamic and interactive vibe as it is a large open circular hall. Depending on the type of event, there is even an option to include a kinetic chandelier show. Planners can also include the Aurora, which is directly connected to the Rotunda, to further enhance guest experience,” said Jensen.

Splash Bay

Let guests unwind at Splash Bay, the indoor water park that is perfect for team building and social gatherings outside the traditional meeting room setting. 

Enclosed by a glass sky dome, it lets natural light shine through. The moveable floor of the pool can be adjusted for different purposes. For instance, it can be raised to ground level to create a flat surface and was previously done so for a fashion runway show. 

The multi-purpose Splash Bay can be used for lifestyle events such as day and night pool parties, brand events, movie screenings, fitness classes and more. For performances, it can accommodate 900 people, whereas for dining events, it can hold 560 seats. 

For more information on INSPIRE’s facilities and to start planning your next event, please visit inspirekorea.com.