Tracks that matter
The IMEX Talking Point for 2025, Impact 2.0 – Activating the Future, is more than just a theme. For the IMEX team, it’s a mindset—perhaps even a movement.
This year’s carefully curated education tracks, debuting at IMEX Frankfurt in May, embody the values that drive our industry forward. They’re designed to empower attendees with actionable insights and strategies. They’re also the best way to navigate, personalize and choose from over 150 sessions.
We spoke with IMEX’s Head of Program, Tahira Endean to dive deeper into how these tracks take shape and why they matter.
How we curate tracks that inspire action
Q: How do you decide which tracks to offer each year?
Tahira: Tracks are our way of creating meaningful pathways for participants to explore, learn, and grow.
We start with the big issues facing the meetings and events industry, overlay data and feedback from past shows, and incorporate the latest industry intelligence. We also consult extensively with partners, attend numerous global events, and hold collaborative meetings to ensure our circle of reference is both broad and accurate. From there, the program begins to take shape.
For 2025, we’ve focused on critical areas like personal growth, sustainability, trends, well-being, leadership, and culture. And we're recognizing the importance and value of good design for the first time.
In designing an integrated and well-informed program, our aim is to make attendees feel equipped to create meaningful and lasting impact.
Spotlight on 2025 themes
While all nine tracks offer immense value, here are the standout themes for 2025:
1. Impact
This track embodies our renewed Talking Point and delves into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, Net Zero strategies and more. Through real-life stories from impactful leaders plus actionable tips, attendees will learn how to amplify their positive impact, both personally and collectively. (We love the fact the word ‘act’ sits inside ‘impact’. The clue’s in the word, don’t you think?).
2. Experiential event design
From neuro-inclusion to sober-curious events, this track showcases how innovative design can create transformational experiences. Learn new approaches, explore cutting-edge research, and draw inspiration from sectors like retail to elevate attendee engagement and hold attention for longer.
3. Marketing and engagement
In an era of social media and short attention spans, storytelling remains essential. This track equips attendees with strategies to foster community, connect with audiences, and drive registrations, whether events are monetized or not.
4. Well-being
Well-being has evolved beyond yoga and guided meditations. In 2025 it's about fostering meaningful social connections and creating inclusive, safe spaces while having the chance to experience something new. It’s no longer acceptable to expect your attendees to leave their healthiest selves at home when they’re away at an event. The well-being bar is much higher now, and you can use it to your advantage.
5. Leadership and culture (new)
Change is inevitable—economic, cultural, technological, and social. This track offers lessons from leaders who’ve navigated extreme challenges, providing tools to help attendees build resilience and adaptability. We'll also be talking to organizations that have triumphed by taking a people-first approach to growth.
6. Design matters (new)
As our in-house Head of Design says, “Good design is good business.” This track unpacks how intentional design helps tell visual stories that bind us into communities or engaged participants. Learn how to embed design thinking into everyday work and use events as a medium for creative expression and brand leverage.
What we hope you’ll take away
Our goal is to inspire action, enhance knowledge and prompt change —whether it’s incorporating a bold design idea, embracing a new marketing strategy, or championing ESG initiatives.
At IMEX, we believe the future of events is collaborative, sustainable, and full of opportunity. Our education program is a free resource for the events industry. Tracks for 2025 are designed to help every attendee take small, impactful steps towards a brighter future with a stronger event ROI.
Let’s go and be curious. Let’s learn, connect, and take action—together at IMEX Frankfurt this May.
