The Event Leaders Exchange team returned to IMEX Frankfurt in 2026, joining members, partners, and industry peers for a week of meaningful conversations, new introductions, and continued dialogue around the evolving role of the event leader.
Held in Frankfurt, Germany, IMEX once again provided an important opportunity for the global events industry to come together, exchange perspectives, and explore the challenges shaping the future of the profession.
For ELX, the week reinforced a theme already being heard across the community: event leaders are being asked to deliver greater impact, demonstrate clearer strategic value, and strengthen alignment across their organizations.
A key moment for ELX at IMEX Frankfurt 2026 was the panel session, “Unveiling ELX: The Business of Events.”
The discussion explored a critical shift for the industry: the events function can no longer sit adjacent to business strategy. It must be part of it.
Grounded in insights from senior event leaders across the ELX community, the session examined some of the pressures and priorities currently shaping corporate event teams, including stalled innovation, stakeholder alignment, internal positioning, AI capability, and evolving talent needs.
The conversation reflected a broader reality facing event leaders today. As expectations continue to rise, the ability to connect event strategy with business outcomes is becoming increasingly important.
The panel brought together perspectives from across the ELX community and wider industry, with contributions from:
Geeske Doeve - Head of Events & Experience, Global Markets at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Chloe Richardson - Head of Content at ELX
Charlotte Mist - Senior Director of Global Events, Webinars & Strategic Partnerships at Elsevier
Kara Brayton - Global Travel Manager at DRW Holdings, LLC
Together, the speakers explored how event leaders are navigating increasing complexity, where teams are seeing opportunity, and what needs to change for the function to be more fully recognized as a strategic business driver.
Their discussion highlighted the importance of honest peer exchange, practical insight, and shared learning at a time when many senior event leaders are facing similar challenges within their organizations.
Alongside the panel, the ELX team spent time with members and partners throughout the week, including meetings, informal conversations, and a community dinner on Tuesday evening, hosted by ELX partners Encore, Visit Seattle, Destination Toronto, RainFocus, and LVCVA.
These moments beyond the show floor continue to be an important part of the ELX experience. They create space for open discussion, trusted connection, and the kind of peer dialogue that does not always happen in more formal industry settings.
The evening was a valuable opportunity to reconnect with members who had not been seen in some time, welcome new voices into the conversation, and continue discussing the themes shaping the role of the event leader today.
Across the week, several themes continued to surface: the evolving role of the event leader, the pressure to demonstrate strategic value, and the need for stronger alignment across organizations.
ELX leaves Frankfurt with much to reflect on and continue discussing with the community.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to connect with us at IMEX Frankfurt 2026, joined the session, and contributed to the conversation.
The dialogue does not end in Frankfurt. As the role of the event leader continues to evolve, ELX remains committed to supporting senior corporate event leaders through trusted peer connection, shared insight, and ongoing industry discussion.