IMEX to launch new “magical place and space”

Off the back of the cancellation of IMEX in Frankfurt, the IMEX Group has created a brand-new virtual experience, due to launch in May and run for several months.

PlanetIMEX has been designed as a destination in its own right and will feature 3D, interactive “islands”, each created using principles borrowed from the world of online gaming.

Visitors to PlanetIMEX will be granted unlimited, free access to a variety of content and activities on three islands: a beach-themed Community Island, forest-inspired Education Island and a Networking Island characterised by canyons, mountains and valleys.

Although the execution is light-hearted, each island has a serious purpose, IMEX said.

The intention is to keep the spirit of IMEX alive by allowing visitors to explore, reconnect, talk future business and continue learning in the company of friends and colleagues from the global business events community.

IMEX Group chief executive Carina Bauer said: “We decided early on that we wanted to gift something back to the industry we love while continuing our commitment to providing high-quality education, business and networking value.

“Rather than switch to a one-off online event, in true IMEX fashion, we opted for innovation through transformation.

“All of this takes place in a new magical place and space which we hope the industry will appreciate and value. That said, like many others in our industry, this has been – and remains – a learning curve.

“We’ve jumped right in to try something new and we’re excited to learn, refine and enrich it over time.”

In creating the event, the IMEX Group partnered with Cvent specifically on designing and developing its education platform.

Cvent chief marketing officer Patrick Smith said: “While the in-person experience at IMEX in Frankfurt will be greatly missed this year, our teams have collaborated to create a unique and deeply engaging virtual environment.

“While nothing can replace meeting face-to-face, it’s important that as industry leaders, we make the best of this current situation.

“To be able to help IMEX deliver their great content to their global audience in an interactive, compelling way is really exciting.”

According to the IMEX Group, PlanetIMEX will expand over time, offering further content, programs and engagement opportunities.

Access is free, although registration is required for both education content and IMEX Introductions.


Featured image: iStock.com/Weedezign

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