The first details of the IMEX Frankfurt education program, taking place 19–21 May, have been launched, revealing a learning line-up designed to meet the industry exactly where it is today—and where it’s poised to thrive in the future.
The program is rooted in real-world examples and shaped by the here and now as Tahira Endean, IMEX’s Head of Programming, explains:
“The world keeps shifting—AI tools and mindsets are reshaping workflows, sustainability requirements are hardening into policy and attendees are arriving with expectations that didn’t exist five, or even three years ago!
“This year’s program is a direct response to those realities. Not around where the industry has been, but where it is right now, and where it’s heading.”
Ahead of the full schedule going live online in April, the eleven tracks—including four new ones—can be revealed. Planners can mix and match across the tracks to build the learning journey that’s right for them.
Four new tracks to explore
Designing for human needs: This track looks at how to unlock human potential by creating environments where everyone can thrive. With 15–20% of the global population estimated to neurodivergent, inclusive design is one of the topics explored. A stage director also offers their own take on experience design, using theatrical principles to map the emotional arc of an event; while a session introducing a ‘Joy Meter’ invites planners to measure not just data but emotional uplift—demonstrating how delight can drive both engagement and bottom-line results.
Design Matters: This track is rooted in the new IMEX Talking Point, celebrating design as the ultimate differentiator. At the sessions, including show-and-tell tours around the exhibition floor, participants will discover tangible examples of how thoughtful design helps organizations, brands and events stand out and stay memorable. And with the Frankfurt RheinMain region—home to IMEX Frankfurt—named World Design Capital 2026, the focus couldn’t be more timely.
Regenerative Design: With ESG reporting now compulsory for many European organizations, practitioners will share the highs and the lows of their sustainability strategies. They’ll unpack real-world examples of circular design in action—from material reuse and waste reduction to supplier collaboration and legacy planning—showing how regenerative thinking and practicalities can strengthen an event rather than simply minimize its impact.
Tech enabled futures: Building on the strong demand for tech and AI learning at last year’s show, this track goes beyond the hype to focus on practical tools, skills and applications that genuinely deliver results. Industry experts will show planners how to make smart use of their existing ecosystem, consolidating their tech stack and identifying overlapping tools. There’s also a deep dive into scams and deepfakes, with advice on how to protect individuals and organizations in a world of fake RFPs, cloned identities and increasingly sophisticated digital threats.
Practical and purposeful education program
IMEX Frankfurt’s eleven track learning program balances practical professional development with the personal skills now needed to stay resilient and inspired, as Tahira explains:
“The industry is balancing the pressure to stay current with tools, trends and compliance alongside the equally urgent need to protect well-being and stay connected to purpose. Our tracks reflect this reality: some elevate core skills, such as Advanced Event Logistics, while others create space for more human aspects—Health and Well-being, Leadership and Culture. Each track delivers something tangible—a toolkit, a framework, a practice that can be implemented, or a network of people doing similar work who understand the specific challenges.”
IMEX Frankfurt provides all professional education free of charge, delivering high‑quality, highly relevant content as confirmed by over 80% of last year’s attendees*.
Many education sessions offer points toward Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) accreditation, are also CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional) Approved and ICCASkills accredited.
- The IMEX Frankfurt education tracks are detailed here. The full program goes live online in April
- Want to hear more from Tahira? She sheds light on how the learning program is designed here
- IMEX Frankfurt takes place May 19-21. Registration is free.
