IMEX, an Events Industry Council Corporate Member and Strategic Partner, has released a new white paper examining how business events can help cities, regions and nations attract talent, investment and innovation.
Place Leadership and the Business Events Sector was developed following the Place Leaders Forum at IMEX Frankfurt and written by globally renowned urbanist Professor Greg Clark CBE FAcSS and Borane Gille, Head of City Innovation & Investment at The Business of Cities.
Drawing on 27 destination case studies from around the world, the paper explores the global trends reshaping destination strategy and outlines practical recommendations for destination organisations, convention and visitor bureaus, venues and their partners. It encourages destinations to view business events not simply as drivers of visitor spending, but as strategic assets that can advance broader economic, innovation and community priorities.
The findings complement EIC’s ongoing research into the forces shaping the future of the global business events industry, including the growing importance of infrastructure, mobility, advocacy and long-term destination resilience.
“Destinations that act now will be best placed to thrive in the years ahead,” said Natasha Richards, Director of Impact & Industry Relations at IMEX and a member of the EIC Board of Directors.
The white paper also provides frameworks and real-world examples designed to help industry stakeholders strengthen the role of business events within wider place and economic development strategies.
