Imex Frankfurt has revealed the full rundown of education sessions ahead of the event that takes place on May 20–22. The professional and personal development program includes over 150 learning sessions, ranging from a full day of experience design learning to “extreme leadership”, risk management, tech, and wellbeing.

The education program is free of charge and open to all, with the vast majority of sessions accredited by CMP, CSEP, and ICCA Skills. Moreover, Imex is partnering with Snapsight to instantly allow attendees to access key education takeaways from many sessions.

The 2025 program is person-centred, recognising that attendees’ lives are no longer divided between home and work and that their challenges and desires for growth frequently overlap. Attendees can pick and mix across nine tracks to suit their requirements. Tangible, practical takeaways are front and centre, allowing them to sharpen their skills and apply what they’ve learned in their meetings the same day.

Highlights from each track

Design Matters  is one of two new tracks and has been crafted to show how “good design is good business”. It is also the title of a panel session with Anna Gyseman, Imex’s Head of Design, and Tobias Geisler, co-founder of space experience design company Vave.

Together, they’ll explore how to apply good design principles to all business areas, sharing practical examples from print, digital, retail, business events and festivals. Freelance creative director Robert Dunsmore moderates the panel, which ends with a private guided tour of Messe Frankfurt’s design archives from 1553.

Experiential Event Design  is a another new track, where Pigalle Tavakkoli, founder of the School of Experience Design, discuss Play to Innovate: Discover the Art and Science of Unlocking Creativity: “Experience Design allows us to go beyond simply designing the form and function of a product, event or service, also to design the attendees’ emotions, memories and behaviours, ultimately transforming their behaviour forever.”

The renowned College of Extraordinary Experiences is set to bring its special brand of imaginative innovation to the show for the first time. Attendees can meet with directors and alums from the College for conversation, hands-on creativity and challenges.

Event logistics is a practical track with experts casting a fresh eye and sharing the latest learnings on event planning fundamentals. Budgeting and negotiation, contract management, safety and risk management, and F&B trends will all be covered.

Impact  is Imex’s talking point for this year. The sessions on Impact will delve into how to design gatherings that leave a lasting, positive impact on people and the planet.

Lego Serious Play: Using creativity for more sustainability will be led by Matthias Renner, Lego Serious Play facilitator at Brickolution: “My workshops show how a playful approach unites the analytical with the creative side of the brain to bring about real, impactful solutions for more sustainable event planning.”

Other Impact sessions will explore and open conversations about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Net-Zero, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Leadership and Culture  A former combat helicopter pilot, a ”charity adventurer”, and a global expedition leader are some of the speakers discussing their ”extreme leadership” experiences. What these individuals have in common is that they’ve pushed boundaries and overcome barriers. This has given them insights into what it means to be a leader in difficult circumstances and how to lead others through tough times.

Marketing and Engagement  in this session, communication expert Jose Ucar will talk about how to communicate with impact to build better human connections: “In the fast-paced world of business, complexity doesn’t impress. It confuses. Whether it’s a simple phrase that stays with you or a pitch that hits the mark, clarity and simplicity always win.”

Other sessions will tackle sponsorship, stakeholder buy-in and data analysis.

Tech Innovation and AI session  Futurist Henry Coutinho-Mason will look outside the business events sector and bring fresh insight into AI in the thriving AI era: “Non-obvious ways to design a people-first AI strategy.”

According to Henry Coutinho-Mason, one of the keys to innovation is duplication: “One secret I learned in my decade running a global consumer trend agency is that the best innovators are thieves. They look to adjacent industries, spot emerging customer expectations, then use these to create compelling new experiences for their audiences.”

Industry leaders Maritz, DRPG, Spark, and Snapsight will use their on-the-ground experience with clients and stakeholders worldwide to show planners how best to use technology to improve efficiency and success.

Trends and Research  The latest research from major industry players, including AMEX, Cvent, Events Industry Council (EIC), Hilton, SITE, and Skift, will uncover significant market shifts.

Other sessions will focus on specific hot topics within the business world, including Navigating the impact of reduced attention spans on business events, The Good, Better, Best Guide to ROI Measurement, and exploring what makes good brand communication.

Wellbeing  With the World Health Organisation calling loneliness a pressing health threat, planners have an opportunity to redesign events to prioritise wellbeing and connection (as detailed in the latest IMEX report: The Power of Experiences).

Knowing this, the Imex team has returned to its “Tough Talks” following their launch last year. These are safe spaces for honest and sometimes difficult discussions on topics such as men’s mental health, grief, women’s health issues, and workplace relations.

The Wellbeing Lounge is home to a program of meditation breaks, breathwork and qigong workshops, all designed for attendees to drop in and recharge in between meetings.

The education program at Imex Frankfurt is provided free of charge and open to all, with the vast majority accredited by CMP, CSEP and ICCA Skills. Imex is partnering with Snapsight to allow attendees to instantly access key education takeaways from many of the sessions.