MICE Trade Shows Where You Can Meet CongressBookers
Our team meets hotel partners, destinations and clients at a few meetings industry trade shows most years. The main ones are IMEX Frankfurt in May, IMEX America in Las Vegas in the autumn and IBTM World in Barcelona in November. The next dates are IBTM World from 17 to 19 November 2026, IMEX Frankfurt from 11 to 13 May 2027 and IMEX America from 28 to 30 September 2027.
For a company that books hotels for medical congress groups, these shows are where relationships with hotels and destinations are built. Below are the shows we go to, what each one is like, and how to arrange a meeting with us.
The main shows
IMEX Frankfurt (May)
- Where: Messe Frankfurt, Germany.
- Next edition: 11 to 13 May 2027, with an education day on 10 May.
- Why we go: to meet European hotel groups and destinations well before the next congress season.
Read more: IMEX Frankfurt: why we attend and how to meet us.
IMEX America (September or October)
- Where: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
- Next edition: 28 to 30 September 2027.
- Why we go: to meet North American hotel groups and destinations, including the cities that host ASCO, RSNA and other large US congresses.
Read more: Back from IMEX America 2026.
IBTM World (November)
- Where: Fira Barcelona Gran Via, Spain.
- Next edition: 17 to 19 November 2026.
- Why we go: a three-day, appointment-based show with around 2,500 exhibitors, ideal for catching up with partners from many congress cities at once.
Read more: IBTM World Barcelona: what a first visit taught us.
Smaller hosted-buyer forums
Alongside the big shows, we take part in smaller hosted-buyer forums such as INTER[action] and m&i, where each day is a series of short, pre-scheduled meetings with hotels and destinations. In past years our calendar has also included Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, The Meetings Show in London and The Meetings Space in Prague.
Why trade shows matter to our clients
- Better group terms. Knowing the people who manage group business helps when we negotiate cut-off dates, attrition and name changes.
- Faster answers. When a brief arrives, we can write to someone we've already met.
- Up-to-date knowledge. We hear about new hotel openings, renovations and venue changes in congress cities before they show up in search results.
How to arrange a meeting
Send us the name of the show, your dates and what you'd like to discuss, and we'll find a time when our team is there. Hotels, destinations and DMCs interested in medical congress business are welcome to get in touch too.
Frequently asked questions
Which trade shows does CongressBookers attend?
Mainly IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America and IBTM World, plus smaller hosted-buyer forums during the year.
When is the next IBTM World?
IBTM World 2026 takes place from 17 to 19 November 2026 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via.
When are IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America in 2027?
IMEX Frankfurt runs from 11 to 13 May 2027 and IMEX America from 28 to 30 September 2027.
How can I book a meeting with your team at a show?
Email us with the show, your dates and your topic, and we'll arrange a time.
Planning a medical congress group?
Send us the congress name, your dates, the expected number of delegates and the support you need to request@congressbookers.com, and we'll come back with suitable hotel options.