Place Leaders Forum launches at IMEX Frankfurt

19.02.2026

Senior business event decision-makers and place leaders are invited to the new IMEX Place Leaders Forum (formerly the Policy Forum).

The event has been created to strengthen cross-sector collaboration on shared challenges and support the development of prosperous, resilient destinations. Taking place on Tuesday May 19 during IMEX Frankfurt, the Place Leaders Forum builds on the legacy of the IMEX Policy Forum while focusing on the new market needs around place leadership and the destination economy. 

The scope of the Forum has been broadened to unite the full range of destination decisions makers, as Natasha Richards, IMEX’s director of Impact & Industry Relations, explains: “We’ve enhanced the Forum to align with how destinations function and compete today. New governance models are emerging and decision makers need clearer evidence, deeper insight and stronger cross sector partnerships Cities and countries now operate in complex environments where economic development, talent, investment, culture and liveability all overlap. Business events play a critical role in this mix—not just economically, but by delivering multiple positive impacts within research, innovation, health, sustainability and community well-being.”

In partnership with Greg Clark and The Business of Cities, IMEX is preparing a new white paper which will inform discussion at the Forum. The Destination Economy, Place Leadership and the Strategic Role of Business Events has been created in response to a shift in how cities compete for talent, investment and innovation. Greg outlines why the pace of urban and economic change has created a pivotal moment for the business events sector: “Global mobility, knowledge-driven economies, and competition between places have elevated the importance of convening, collaboration and narrative. Business events are uniquely positioned to contribute to these dynamics, provided the sector is willing to evolve its role, invest in new capabilities, and engage seriously with the long-term future of the places it serves.” 

Destination leaders are invited to contribute case studies of business events which have been proven to enhance local economic, innovation or community goals, with the final paper scheduled for launch after the Forum. The new Place Leaders Forum continues IMEX’s legacy of uniting the events community with policymakers, advancing their vision for a thriving global events industry focused on positive change and following in the footsteps of the Politicians Forum which launched at the first IMEX Frankfurt show in 2003. 

The Place Leaders Forum is organized in collaboration with the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), City Destinations Alliance (City DNA), Destinations International, German Convention Bureau (GCB), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe and U.S. Travel Association, under the auspices of Events Industry Council (EIC) and the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC). IMEX Frankfurt 2026 takes place at Messe Frankfurt, May 19–21.