Events industry prepares for IMEX Frankfurt

The global events industry is gearing up for a busy week as IMEX Frankfurt 2025 prepares to welcome professionals from over 100 countries, with strong buyer interest and a packed agenda of announcements and activations.

Hyve Group is expanding its portfolio with the launch of Breakbulk Asia in Singapore, while Bar Convent Berlin sets the stage for its first UK edition with a new education board.

Meanwhile, a new report reveals strong growth ambitions from event suppliers eyeing international markets.

Read on for all the key developments shaping the events landscape this week.

Events industry gets set for IMEX Frankfurt

Eventprofs from more 100 countries are getting geared up for IMEX Frankfurt, with notable growth in attendance from Asia and Africa.

More than 40% of registered buyers this year have annual event budgets between $1 million and $10m.

The IMEX team has also partnered with more hosted buyer groups to offer personalized experiences including meet and greets, preview tours and exhibitor introductions.

Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, said: “With global suppliers set to show up in large numbers and buyer demand continuing to rise, the show sends a clear message that the sector is keen to meet and do business regardless of current global pressures.

“We’ve designed IMEX Frankfurt to be a platform that supports the industry, offering a rich array of commercial connections, community building and learning that attendees can easily personalize to create their own bespoke IMEXperience.

“I can’t wait to see the industry come together and focus on a positive future during the three days of the show.”

IMEX Frankfurt – taking place between Tuesday and Thursday – will also be the stage for some major news announcements including the launch of a convention bureau, a new resort, as well as multiple industry research reports and market updates.

ExpoPlatform is once again the official technology provider for the event, with participants set for a range of digital tools designed to heighten experiences.

Visit the team at Stand G485 to find out how we can help improve your exhibitions.

Hyve launches Breakbulk Asia

Hyve has officially announced the launch of Breakbulk Asia, becoming the fourth event in the brand’s portfolio.

This marks the next chapter in the evolution of the show – a market-leading series already well established in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.

The move follows what the organizer has described as a response to “clear customer demand”, with its first addition set to take place in Singapore next year.

Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group, said: “Launching Breakbulk Asia is a stride forward in delivering Hyve’s growth ambitions.

“It reflects our commitment to building world-class platforms that serve critical global industries and our ability to scale them with purpose.”

Breakbulk Asia is a key step in Hyve’s GO27 strategy – a plan to grow and optimise the business by 2027 through strategic expansion, innovation and scaling proven products globally.

The event will bring together the full industrial supply chain to facilitate business, spark collaboration and drive innovation in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.

Jessica Dawnay, portfolio director at Breakbulk, said: “Asia is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of global trade, infrastructure and energy.

“Launching Breakbulk Asia in Singapore is a strategic move that puts us exactly where our customers need us most.”

New education board for inaugural BCB London

Bar Convent Berlin has announced a brand-new education board ahead of its debut UK event.

The dedicated group of industry experts will be working together to curate an engaging programme for the show in London.

It is expected to be taking place between June 30 and July 1, with visitors due to expect a diverse line-up of sessions covering a range of topics in drinks innovation.

Hannah Lanfear, member of BCB London’s education board, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with the rest of the team in assembling a dynamic offering of thought-provoking industry seminars for London’s maiden BCB.

“Since 2007, BCB has been one of the world’s major confluences for talent and expertise in the bar trade, so it’s fantastic to see London open its arms to this behemoth of a show.”

Event suppliers see room for growth outside UK

Almost two-thirds of event industry suppliers believe international markets are the biggest growth opportunity for their business, according to a new report.

The study by by the Event Supplier & Services Association (ESSA) shows 65% have a drive to increase growth with work beyond just the UK.

It comes as part of research conducted at the inaugural Senior Leaders Summit, with 50% also highlighting cost pressures as the biggest challenge faced by suppliers.

Andrew Harrison, director of ESSA, said: “In our line of work, it can often feel like we’re constantly running on the proverbial hamster wheel.

“It’s why taking the time to step off, reset and most importantly, share your experiences and challenges with industry peers can go a long way in helping you refocus on what’s most important for your business and give you both ideas and inspiration on how you can achieve exactly that.”

A total of 35% of event industry suppliers are actively using it in creative and design applications, according to the study.

Despite this, many recognised that significant opportunities remain untapped – with only 15% currently applying AI in HR and less than a fifth in accounting functions.

Thanks for reading – we hope you’re up to speed for the week. Why not book a free consultation with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you stay ahead?