IMEX Frankfurt 2026 Opens at Record Scale — 150 Countries, 3,000 Exhibitors

The global meetings and events industry just sent a loud signal. IMEX Frankfurt 2026 opened on May 19 and will run through May 21 with nearly 3,000 exhibitors and more than 4,000 buyers from approximately 150 countries making it the largest in IMEX history in terms of exhibitor space and participation .

Who showed up big

Major hospitality brands including Marriott International, Hilton, Radisson Hotel Group, Hyatt, and IHG Hotels & Resorts have all increased their presence, signalling intensifying competition for international meetings and corporate travel markets.

Fastest-growing regions

Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific are emerging as the biggest growth drivers, with Angola, Mauritius, São Paolo, and Uzbekistan all increasing their exhibition footprint.

B2B Takeaway

For DMCs, convention bureaus, and corporate travel managers, the message is clear — face-to-face business events are back and expanding. Emerging destinations are aggressively bidding for international conferences, which means more choices and potentially better value for corporate clients.