Manchester's recent presence at IMEX Frankfurt (20-22 May 2025) was a resounding success, firmly positioning our city as a leading international destination for meetings and events. Exhibiting alongside our valued partners Manchester Central on the bustling MeetEngland stand, we proudly showcased Manchester's unique appeal and commitment to delivering exceptional delegate experiences.

We went to IMEX with a clear message: Manchester offers a dynamic fusion of rich heritage and groundbreaking innovation, world-class venues, cutting-edge facilities, and a truly unforgettable delegate experience. A key focus of our presence was the launch of our new Sustainable Events Guide and Checklist, demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility. We also highlighted the Manchester Social Impact and Legacy Guide, underscoring how events in our city can create lasting positive change.

Our team held 35+ face-to-face appointments with event planners, leading to over 100 total engagements. This direct engagement resulted in a dozen new RFPs/Enquiries, representing a potential of over 10,000 delegates and an estimated economic impact of more than £21 million for Manchester. Beyond new business, we also conducted several crucial meetings with the organisers of confirmed major meetings in Manchester, representing 5,000 delegates and an additional estimated economic impact of over £9 million. We also delivered a stand presentation for a group of US planners and participated in additional activities, including an M&I dinner and a VisitBritain breakfast for a North American hosted buyer group.

We connected with a diverse range of influential decision-makers, from board members of professional and academic societies to esteemed scientists and experienced event planners. We effectively communicated how Manchester's unparalleled resources, vibrant atmosphere, and dedicated support network can empower organisations to achieve their event and broader organisational objectives. We emphasised how choosing Manchester means elevating events to new heights, fostering collaboration, inspiring new ideas, and leaving a lasting legacy.

The positive feedback and strong interest received at IMEX Frankfurt underscore Manchester's growing reputation as a premier global destination for conferences and events. We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming many more impactful events to our incredible city.

Building on this success, the Manchester Convention Bureau team will continue to meet with event planners in the coming months at key events such as The Meetings Show, a European Sales Mission to Geneva, Paris, and Brussels, IMEX America, and IBTM World.