Europe's two major international meeting and incentive travel exhibitions — IMEX, a spring show in Frankfurt, and EIBTM, a late fall show in Barcelona — continue to woo attendees with hosted-buyer programs and a growing slate of educational and networking opportunities. IMEX, which holds its fifth annual event April 17-19, is hoping to break its 2006 record of 3,300 exhibitors from 150 countries and 3,412 hosted buyers.

In addition to business opportunities on the show floor, IMEX attendees can choose between two morning seminars each day, certified for CMP credits. The subjects range from “Seven Steps to Initiate a Strategic Meeting Management Program” to a future trends panel. Other special interest programs include the 2007 Women's Forum, moderated by Pat Durocher, managing director of HelmsBriscoe International, and Mary Power, president of the Convention Industry Council.

IMEX has placed special emphasis on its Corporate Responsibility Centre, where attendees can get advice on environmental and social responsibility programs. In a related initiative, IMEX and the Green Meeting Industry Council will again bestow its Green Awards — including the Commitment to the Community Award and the Green Meetings Award.