© IMEX Frankfurt
IMEX 2026
May 19–20, 2026
, Frankfurt am Main
IMEX | ILLERHAUS Collection – Your Hosted Buyer Program
For the first time, the ILLERHAUS Hosted Buyer Group is bringing a breath of fresh air to IMEX Frankfurt —and we cordially invite you to join us! Be part of our premiere and register as a Hosted Buyer for IMEX Frankfurt 2026.
IMEX Frankfurt is one of the world's most important trade fairs for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events. Every year , planners, destinations, hotels, extraordinary venues, and innovative service providers come together here. In addition to business meetings, there is a high-quality training program with trends, best practices, and valuable inspiration for your work.
What is the ILLERHAUS Hosted Buyer Group?
We bring together a select group of event experts who focus on sustainable business contacts. Our motto: combining business and encounters. We value clear structures, relevant dates, and genuine exchange with heart, openness, and quality.
The group will be active at the trade fair on May 19 and 20, 2026. An additional day at the trade fair can be added by arrangement.
Who can become a hosted buyer?
All decision-makers in the conference industry who plan conferences, congresses, and events. Participation is subject to qualification criteria—after a brief review by the IMEX team, we will accept suitable planners into our group.
As a hosted buyer, you decide who you want to meet. At least six appointments per day with exhibitors are required to get the most out of your visit.
What is included?
Participation in the Hosted Buyer Program is free of charge and includes:
- Train ticket to/from Frankfurt
- Accommodation in 4- or 5-star hotels
- Transfers between the train station, hotel, and trade fair
Why you should be there
The ILLERHAUS Hosted Buyer Group opens doors to lasting contacts, valuable insights, and genuine networking. Clear structures, high-quality encounters, and time for personal conversations make your visit to the trade fair as effective as possible.
Register now and experience the premiere: become part of our Hosted Buyer group at IMEX Frankfurt 2026 – secure your place!
Here's what happens next:
- Register as a Hosted Buyer via IMEX registration
- Do you have an IMEX account? Then log in, click on "Become a Hosted Buyer" and enter the invitation code ij8umc.
- Don't have an IMEX account yet? Register, log in, and enter the invitation code ij8umc during the registration process.
- After the IMEX trade fair team has reviewed the hosted buyer criteria, you will be assigned to our hosted buyer group and will receive further information in the coming weeks, such as your hotel accommodation, mandatory appointments, program, etc.
Further information on IMEX's Hosted Buyer Program can be found HERE.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Travel to Frankfurt – individually planned 🚗 🚅
9:30 a.m. – Welcome in the Hosted Buyer Lounge
Welcome with drinks and brief introductions by the Illerhaus team (Susanne, Massimo, and Doreen)
Followed by: Business meetings every 30 minutes
You will meet with pre-arranged exhibitors for targeted discussions.
12:00 p.m. – Group appointment at Wolfsburg
In preparation for our MICE Networking Lounge on November 26, 2026, Sophie and Ines will personally present their destination to you at the GCB booth.
5:00 p.m. – Meet for a glass of wine in Thuringia (optional)
Kristin Beinarowitz invites us to network
7:30 p.m. – CIM Night (optional)
Evening event with networking (food/drinks at your own expense, participation optional).
Of course Susanne is buying a round here 🥂
Overnight stay at our partner hotel Scandic Hafenpark
Tuesday, May 20, 2026
From 10:00 a.m. – Continuation of business meetings
Additional 30-minute meetings with relevant discussion partners.
11:00 a.m. – Group meeting at the CIM booth
Keynote speech and networking
4:00 p.m. – End of trade fair & departure
Conclusion of the official Hosted Buyer Program.
Upon request, you can extend your stay at the trade fair by one day.
Illerhaus Hosted Buyer Group at IMEX Frankfurt
Our Hosted Buyer group is aimed at event planners and decision-makers in the MICE industry who regularly organize events and select venues, destinations, and accommodations.
Requirements for participation
In order for us to include you in the IMEX | Illerhaus Collection, you must meet the following requirements:
- At least 3 confirmed or planned events in the next three years
- Or approximately 10 events per year with an average of at least 100 participants
- Or large events with over 1,000 participants, where you book venues and accommodations
Final participation will take place after a brief review of your information.
What is included in the invitation?
Participation as a hosted buyer is free of charge for selected event planners. Depending on the agreement, you will receive, among other things:
- Overnight stay at a partner hotel in Frankfurt
- Organization and personal support by our Hosted Buyer Group
- Access to IMEX Frankfurt and the professional development and training program
What we expect from you
To ensure that all participants get the most out of the trade fair, you should:
- Be on site on the scheduled trade fair days
- Keep agreed business appointments
- Participate in selected group sessions
The focus is on qualitative exchange, networking, and genuine encounters.
👉 Interested?
Then get in touch with us! We will be happy to explain the next steps and all the details.
Tuesday, May 19 – Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Partner hotel: Scandic Hafenpark
Trade fair
ij8umc
We will keep you informed.