Hosted buyer program
Could I be a hosted buyer?
If you regularly plan or commission international events or incentive travel programs—and you're coming to IMEX with business in mind, you can apply to join our hosted buyer program. Our uniquely flexible hosted buyer program is designed for event professionals just like you.
Select the play button on the video to hear from first time hosted buyers about their experience at IMEX Frankfurt.
What you'll receive as a hosted buyer
Free travel and accommodations
As a hosted buyer, you'll enjoy:
- Free flights and accommodations
- The knowledge that we're taking care of the details
- Attendance is free too of course—and there are no cancelation fees or fines
Flexible meeting scheduling
We run the most flexible hosted buyer program in the world. And you have flexibility over who you meet with.
Free professional development
From education tailored to your specialism at
Association Focus and Exclusively Corporate and expert insight at drop-in education throughout the show.
Exclusive lounge access
Exclusively for hosted buyers, our Hosted Buyer Lounge is designed to help you:
- Recharge, relax and refresh
- Catch up with calls, with fellow hosted buyers, and with our friendly Hosted Buyer Team—there to answer any questions you might have
What we ask in return
As a hosted buyer you commit to booking six to eight meetings per day with our exhibitors, through our show platform. These should be mainly one-to-one meetings but can also include group appointments and booth presentations. We also ask that you don’t leave the show early but stay for each full day of your hosted buyer program.
We regularly check that hosted buyers are booking and attending meetings (on average hosted buyers book 16-plus book per show).
Watch our short video about hosted buyer commitments.
Show stats 2025
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Total participants
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Meetings booked
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Total buyers
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Press attendees from 24 countries
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Exhibiting companies representing 100+ countries
Hosted Buyer Lounge
Exclusively for hosted buyers, our Hosted Buyer Lounge is designed to help you:
- Recharge, relax and refresh
- Catch up with calls, with fellow hosted buyers and our friendly Hosted Buyer Team—there to answer any questions you have
Location: Hall 9, Messe Frankfurt
Open (to hosted buyers only) Monday - closed, Tuesday and Wednesday 8am - 5:30pm, Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Free services: coffee and refreshments, snacks, Wi-Fi
Other services: Marketplace serving sandwiches, salads and desserts
How can I be a hosted buyer?
Applying to be a hosted buyer
Around 300 of our exhibitors invite their key clients to come to IMEX as hosted buyers (we call these exhibitors "intermediaries"). So, if you receive an invitation from an intermediary, and you’d like to be a hosted buyer:
- Follow the link the intermediary has sent you
- Create your IMEX account
- Use the hosted buyer invitation code to join their hosted buyer group
- If you prefer you can also register with us direct
Hosted buyer qualifying criteria
All hosted buyers must:
- Be responsible for researching, organizing, influencing or making budgetary decisions for international events (outside their home country)
- Have three confirmed or planned events taking place in the next three years
- Be coming to the show with buying power
- Be at the show for the duration of their hosted buyer program
- Book meetings with exhibitors using our online meetings system
Coming to IMEX from a corporate
organization?
Coming to IMEX from a corporate organization and need help getting approval?
Join us at IMEX as part of a hosted buyer group to elevate your corporate event planning.
As a hosted buyer, you’ll have access to networking opportunities, educational sessions, and one-on-one meetings with key suppliers.
Worried about compliance? Cover your own travel and hotel expenses while still enjoying all the other benefits of being a hosted buyer.
Ready to take the next step?
Join us at IMEX Frankfurt.
