Joint Meeting Industry Council

Policy Forum

IMEX Policy Forum 2018: Tuesday 15 May, Frankfurt, Germany
“Where the meetings world and public policymakers connect”

One of the Industry’s longest running, most prestigious and influential Forums has undergone an evolution with a name change reflecting a shift in focus. The newly-named IMEX Policy Forum, formerly known as the Politicians Forum, will take place on Tuesday 15 May 2018, the first day of IMEX in Frankfurt, at the InterContinental Hotel.

The Forum launched in 2003 and has established itself as a crucial connection point for the meetings world and public policymakers. Over the years it has proved to be a major catalyst in advancing the understanding of the critical role that the meetings industry plays in many aspects of national and regional development. The subtle change in name better reflects the event as it is today, bringing together the meetings world and public policymakers with the aim to influence policy, rather than just politicians.

The Policy Forum will bring together some 40 policymakers with around 80 industry leaders, and address five core elements: Strategy, Advocacy, Development, Engagement and Enlightenment in consideration of how to make the most of the wide-ranging benefits that investment in conferences and meetings can bring, from income and employment to inward investment, education, scientific and cultural advancement.

New for 2018 will be a workshop with Professor Greg Clark CBE entitled The Evolution of Cities in the Meetings Industry.

Clark, the Chairman of The Business of Cities explains: “This industry is growing – it is sophisticated, substantial and has very broad and deep benefits for the places that host it. It also has important linkages with other industries and provides capabilities for many of the globalising and innovating sectors in the world today.”

The IMEX Policy Forum is organised in collaboration with European Cities Marketing (ECM), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), under the auspices of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC).

JMIC Council members are invited to ensure their destination is part of this crucial conversation by inviting your city, municipal and national government policymakers to the 2018 IMEX Policy Forum. 

Contact Natasha.Richards@imexexhibitions.com for more information.

About the IMEX Policy Forum

2017 Policy Forum Report
Read Rod Cameron’s report on the 2017 Policy Forum, including highlights from Professor Greg Clark’s keynote and discussions during the Forum. From how city development has benefited from the meetings industry in areas such as employment, connectivity and diversity, to how governments and the meetings industry can work together to implement successful development strategies.