News

March 19th 2026

Join BestCities Global Alliance at IMEX Frankfurt 2026

People walk and gather outside the entrance to IMEX Hall 8 at a convention centre, with large colourful IMEX letters and signage visible in the foreground.

IMEX Frankfurt is always a highlight of the global meetings calendar, and IMEX Frankfurt 2026 is no different. On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, BestCities Global Alliance will once again bring together association leaders, partner destinations, and media for a focused and engaging start to the day.

If you are planning your week at IMEX, this is where to begin.

ENHANCE your IMEX Frankfurt 2026 with the BestCities Breakfast

Our annual BestCities Breakfast remains a fixed moment in the IMEX programme, offering a space to connect, exchange ideas, and hear what is shaping the future of international meetings.

  • Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2026
  • Time: 07:30am – 09:00am
  • Venue: Meliá Frankfurt City, Senckenberganlage 13, 60325 Frankfurt am Main

There is no cost to attend, and the venue is just a short walk from Messe Frankfurt, making it an easy and efficient start to your day.

Register for the BreakfastPeople in business attire sit at a conference table with documents, bottled water, and laptops, attentively listening during a meeting in a modern meeting room.

What to expect this year

This year’s programme brings together timely insights and practical perspectives for associations navigating an increasingly complex environment.

The Copenhagen Risk Navigator

Be among the first to hear about this new industry initiative developed by the Copenhagen Convention Bureau in partnership with FERMA and RIMS. The Navigator is designed to support associations and destinations in identifying, assessing, and mitigating emerging risks across the full lifecycle of international meetings.

Major Global Events and what they mean for associations

With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, representatives from Houston, Vancouver, and Guadalajara will share how their cities are preparing to host one of the world’s largest events. The session will explore what associations can learn from large-scale event planning, from infrastructure and coordination to long-term legacy.

What’s new at BestCities Global Alliance

Receive the latest updates from across our global partnership, including key initiatives, programmes, and opportunities to engage with our network of leading destinations.

As always, the breakfast also offers the opportunity to connect with your peers, members of the media, and representatives from our partner cities: Berlin, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Dublin, Guadalajara, Houston, Madrid, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo, Vancouver, and Washington, DC.

Places are limited, so early registration is recommended.

Register for the BreakfastA group of people sit at round tables in a conference room, listening attentively to a speaker outside the frame. Conference materials and drinks are on the tables.

join our Hosted Buyer Group

Attending IMEX Frankfurt is one thing. Making the most of it is another.

As part of the BestCities Hosted Buyer Group you’re automatically invited to our BestCities breakfast, so you can expect:

  • Curated introductions to 13 premier destinations
  • Time and space for deeper conversations beyond the stand
  • Access to education and networking opportunities designed for association professionals

European buyers can apply using invitation code: 8xgjsm

International buyers can apply using invitation code: wc6xu4

If you would like to explore whether the Hosted Buyer Group is the right fit, you can also reach out directly to Tia Daniels at [email protected].

Plan your IMEX with purpose

Whether you join us for breakfast, as part of our Hosted Buyer Group, or both, BestCities Global Alliance is here to help you make the most of your time at IMEX Frankfurt 2026.

We look forward to seeing you in Frankfurt!

About the author

Marlieke Kemp-Janssen

Marlieke Kemp-Janssen has over 10 years of experience in the international hotel industry, specialising in digital marketing, eCommerce, and communications. She has held leadership roles in luxury-branded hotels, where she developed and executed successful online strategies. Now based in Kuala Lumpur, Marlieke is the online marketing project manager for BestCities Global Alliance. She manages the alliance’s LinkedIn presence, website content, and monthly round-ups, along with other digital projects that support global engagement and visibility.