In first week of June, I got to go on my second trip to Germany with the GDSM, this time to speak about Regenerative Events with my colleague Milda (photos above and below, but sadly no video). I also got the chance to speak with students at the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum roundtables and snuck in a quick chat with Rachel Moore over at Hubilo about legacy events (full interview below).

After a three-year hiatus, IMEXFrankfurt was back in action and in person. It wasn’t my first tradeshow, but a first IMEX experience can feel like one. I loved how the map was available on the floor when entering the show floor section, and the inspiration hub contained rooms with headsets for people to block out other sounds and home in on your talk. The inspiration hub hosted more events than I could attend, but I did my best to take part in some campfires (small group huddles) and talks surrounding sustainability and events.

For our talk, Milda and I weren’t sure what to expect when only one person showed up just one minute before our start time, but five minutes in we had a full house of listeners who stayed until the end. A very good sign that a) Regenerative events are a growing point of interest for event organisers and associations, and b) IMEXFrankfurt had pulled together the most relevant talks for their audiences. I actually recognised some people in the crowd from an EIC-led campfire chat the morning of our talk, and I was heartened to see them remember that we were speaking and showed up to stay till the end. Another thing about IMEX: The connections run a little deeper there.

Sadly I didn’t get to see much of the city of Frankfurt, but between getting to meet lots of old and new acquaintances, glamming up for the gala night and eating the best spinach dumplings at the Munich stand, I think the visit was an overall success.