The IMEX trade fair in Frankfurt is a professional fair bringing together all stakeholders in the MICE industry. This year the fair takes place from 19 to 21 April.

This edition, VISITFLANDERS is once again well represented at the trade fair with a wide range of Flemish and Brussels partners, a healthy mix of event organizers, hotels with conference facilities and conference centers. New addition also is the Tangla Hotel from Brussels, which recently opened.

“Another very important guest present at our promo booth is Brussels Airlines. We are very well aware that in the wake of recent tragic events in Brussels even the most seasoned meeting planner might have questions and doubts when planning his/her event”, Evelyne Bardyn, Senior Meeting Manager of VISITFLANDERS explains. “Our team and partners are well prepared for this and we will do everything in our power to help in a very professional way. In the aftermath of this gruesome event, we will obviously not throw in the towel. It is important that we confidently straighten our backs and show that Flanders-Brussels is still that welcoming destination, an excellent conference destination within a unique heritage framework.” In addition, VISITFLANDERS recently created a MICE task force together with a number of stakeholders to reflect on future actions and to provide the necessary ‘WOW’-factor for conferences that are currently planned or will take place in the near future. “After all, we find it extremely important to give a positive signal in these uncertain times. Hence our strong presence here at the IMEX trade show in Frankfurt”, Evelyne Bardyn adds. “We are returning with the award-winning booth ‘Flanders, State of the Art’ that radiates pioneering craftsmanship and is the perfect reference to the unforgettable experiences in Flanders regarding our rich gastronomy and famous art heritage with our Flemish masters as the undeniable flagship. In short, unique products that incentive planners like to capitalize on.”

Tomorrow, VISITFLANDERS organizes a dinner and networking opportunity with 25 American meeting planners. “Together with our colleague Brecht from our New York office. Undoubtedly, a dreamed platform to share information about our destination to key influencers”, continues Evelyne Bardyn.

“In addition to the traditional destination presentations which we present one last time via the high-tech iPad game, we have also set up three VIP lunches. A meeting planner must finally have lunch as well and this way, we refer to our rich gourmet food and dining culture to showcase at the promo booth.” The VISITFLANDERS colleagues in the UK, Germany and the US carefully selected the planners. At lunchtime, the booth of VISITFLANDERS will therefore certainly be buzzing with pleasant activity. “It’s heart-warming to notice that the planners show some solidarity towards our destination and some symbolic support as well. It is clear that the MICE industry is above all a ‘people’s business’ and the fact that we may once again be part of it gives us energy to return the next three days here in Frankfurt to give the best of ourselves”, the Senior Meeting Manager ends.

The partners present at the VISITFLANDERS promo booth at a glance:

• @dmire;
• Brussels Airlines;
• Chocola Tutti;
• Event Masters International;
• Eventonline;
• Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp;
• Hilton Worldwide;
• Ibis Styles Zeebrugge;
• Marriott Hotels Brussels;
• Ostend Convention Bureau;
• Radisson Blu Antwerp;
• Tangla Hotel Brussels;
• The Hotel Brussels;
• Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport.