IMEX has announced a full programme of educational sessions and round-table discussions for its next Association Day, featuring advice from leading industry experts and tailor-made peer-to-peer networking opportunities.
The event takes place in Frankfurt on Monday 25 May 2009 - the day before the exhibition opens.
The IMEX exhibition (26 - 28 May) is forecast to attract 800 association buyers from across the globe over the 3 days of the show, representing a hugely important and resilient industry sector; with almost a third of these - 250 - regularly attending the Association Day and Evening event.
This represents the largest gathering of international association executives in Europe.
Attending for the first time is keynote US speaker Elliott Masie, an internationally renowned futurist, analyst, researcher and humorist. Masie will present a seminar entitled "What is the meeting of the future? (And can we start today?)".
His talk will offer delegates a unique insight into some of the ways in which they can enhance their associations' educational strategies, challenging assumptions and suggesting innovative new ways of thinking. Masie heads The MASIE Center, a New York think tank focused on how organisations can support learning and knowledge within the workforce. He also leads the "Learning Consortium", a coalition of 240 global organisations that co-operate on the evolution of learning strategies.
Maarten Vanneste, founder, president and CEO of ABBIT Meetings Support, will present a seminar entitled: "How to give your congress delegates the best networking experience". This will explore the full range of options for improving the effectiveness of networking at meetings. Maarten comments: "If you want to be in the driver's seat and become a meeting architect, this is the ideal session to attend. It will help delegates understand the true value of networking and the importance of designing and managing it in advance. Participants will learn simple techniques and technology tips that will help them generate real networking value."
Leading UK specialist in crisis management and workplace health, Dr. David Perl, will moderate a session on "Communication and PR when times are tough". Additionally there will be four German language sessions including "Liabilities of volunteer board members" and "Philanthropic Fundraising - How to win long-term sponsors and donors."
The Association Day, which is organised by ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) with the active support of seven of the industry's leading associations, culminates in an evening reception where association buyers have the opportunity to network with recognised industry suppliers. This event regularly attracts in excess of 700 participants and is the unofficial opening party of the exhibition.
Continuing into the week, IMEX association buyers will have the chance to attend two further sessions especially for association executives. "Creativity -The Quest for our industry's Holy Grail", will see a panel of expert event organisers from ICCA moderated by Martin Sirk, ICCA CEO, providing personal insight into how best to deliver truly creative events.
In addition, Greta Kotler, Chief Knowledge and Strategy Officer at ASAE The Center for Association Leadership together with Rohit Talwar, Global Futurist and CEO of Fast Future, will discuss the latest thinking on, "Leading Your Association into the Future - How to Survive and Thrive in Turbulent times."
More than 70 educational seminars will take place over four days at IMEX this year - the largest professional education programme yet provided by the trade show. Other organisations participating in the broader programme include Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Convention Industry Council, Site (Society of Incentive & Travel Executives), DMAI (Destination Marketing Association International) and the GCB (German Convention Bureau).
Carina Bauer, IMEX Marketing and Operations Director, comments, "This year's programme has been designed to cover the key areas of interest for association delegates in order to guarantee that they will take home some valuable lessons and new ideas. The evening reception then offers a great chance to meet with experts and business contacts across all fields of the industry and to put the day's networking tips into action. IMEX is unique in that over 450, or 12.5%, of its hosted buyers are association professionals. This is an extremely important market for our exhibitors and one that we will continue to focus on and deliver in the future."
Carina concludes, "Through our association day programme, seminar sessions and organised round table discussions, IMEX has always been an industry centre of learning and networking. This year's packed Association Day programme in particular should ensure that every delegate will take away some valuable new ideas and inspiration that will have a significant impact on the success of their future events."
Online registration is now open for the IMEX Association Day hosted buyer programme, which includes complimentary flights/ train travel, hotel accommodation in Frankfurt, attendance at the Association Day and Evening plus the IMEX exhibition. The full programme can be viewed online at http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/associationday2009.html.
IMEX 2009 will take place on 26th - 28th May.
For more information, visit IMEX
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