The 2025 agenda is curated around the concept of “person-centered” learning, emphasizing that professional development and personal growth are increasingly intertwined. IMEX recognizes that in today’s blended world of work and life, attendees seek education that’s not only intellectually enriching but emotionally resonant and immediately applicable.
Design Matters and Experiential Innovation Take Center Stage
Two new tracks debut at IMEX Frankfurt this year—Design Matters and Experiential Event Design. The former positions good design as a core business driver. In the session titled “Good Design is Good Business,” IMEX Head of Design Anna Gyseman and VAVE’s Tobias Geisler, moderated by creative director Robert Dunsmore, will guide attendees through applying visual and spatial design principles across business events, culminating in an exclusive tour of the Messe Frankfurt design archives.
Experiential Event Design explores the next evolution of attendee engagement. Pigalle Tavakkoli, founder of the School of Experience Design, will present her signature session, “Play to Innovate,” diving into the neuro-psychological underpinnings of creativity in event planning. Attendees will also interact with directors from the College of Extraordinary Experiences, fostering hands-on ideation and problem-solving.
Tech Innovation and AI: Disrupting the Event Space
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, the Tech Innovation and AI track at IMEX 2025 provides a practical, forward-looking roadmap. Henry Coutinho-Mason, futurist and author, will lead “Thriving in the AI Era,” spotlighting the cross-sector inspiration event professionals can harness from global consumer trends. He argues that innovation thrives through strategic imitation—adapting proven concepts from adjacent industries.
Sessions from industry powerhouses like Maritz, DRPG, Spark, and Snapsight will showcase real-world examples of tech deployments that drive both efficiency and attendee satisfaction.
Practical Mastery in Event Logistics
The Event Logistics track delivers essential operations-focused content. From budgeting and contract negotiations to the latest in F&B and safety protocols, this track offers planners a toolkit for executing events under real-world constraints. With risk management growing in importance, the sessions are structured to help attendees respond to evolving threats and plan resilient events.
The Sustainability Mandate: ESG, Net Zero, and Playful Learning
The Impact track aligns with IMEX’s annual talking point and global event sustainability goals. Matthias Renner of Brickolution will host a LEGO SERIOUS PLAY workshop designed to ignite sustainability conversations through tactile learning. Other sessions will delve deep into ESG reporting, net-zero targets, and DEI strategy implementation—positioning planners to meet stakeholder expectations while doing good for the planet.
Extreme Leadership and Cultural Intelligence
Leadership and Culture track speakers include a combat helicopter pilot, a global expedition leader, and a charity adventurer—all discussing lessons in leading under adversity. These extreme perspectives are meant to inspire new approaches to resilience, decision-making, and leading diverse teams through uncertainty.
Cultural alignment and emotional intelligence will be recurring themes, challenging traditional views of top-down leadership in favor of values-driven management and inclusivity.
Marketing That Resonates
Under the Marketing and Engagement track, communication expert Jose Ucar will dissect how simplicity and clarity win over audiences in “How to Communicate with Impact.” The track will also explore the mechanics of sponsorship activation, data-driven engagement strategies, and stakeholder communication in increasingly complex event ecosystems.
Global Industry Trends and Deep Research Insights
The Trends and Research track will host the latest findings from global leaders such as AMEX, Cvent, Hilton, EIC, SITE, and Skift. Topics include the neurological impact of reduced attention spans on attendee behavior, measuring ROI in complex settings, and identifying what constitutes effective brand communication in 2025.
Centering Mental Health and Connection
The Well-being track returns with expanded programming based on the IMEX report, “The Power of Experiences.” With loneliness now recognized by the World Health Organization as a major global issue, event design must respond. Tough Talks—safe spaces for real conversations—cover men’s mental health, grief, and gendered health challenges.
A dedicated well-being lounge will offer drop-in sessions for meditation, breathwork, and qigong, helping attendees decompress and reflect between meetings.
Conclusion: Education Designed for Human Impact
IMEX Frankfurt 2025’s education programming is not just a conference itinerary—it is a statement about the evolving role of business events in the modern world. With nine immersive tracks, sessions that range from hands-on to high-level, and themes that fuse humanity with innovation, the show’s educational component is set to be its most powerful yet.
Whether you are a first-time planner or a seasoned executive, IMEX Frankfurt 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect, and elevate your impact—not just on your business, but on people and the planet.
