Event Planners at IMEX Frankfurt Weigh AI's Role in Meetings and Networking
Association and corporate event planners gathered at IMEX Frankfurt in May 2026 to debate how artificial intelligence is reshaping event operations while grappling with a persistent question: can technology replace the value of in-person connection?
The debate centered on three core concerns. Planners want to know whether AI can actually improve how conferences run. They're testing whether smaller European cities can compete with traditional conference hubs. And they're trying to figure out how to use AI without losing the human relationships that make events work.
Face-to-face meetings remain the priority
Despite the rise of virtual tools and AI-powered networking systems, association professionals said physical events still matter most. Keith Burton from K.I.T. Group explained that traveling from Cape Town to Frankfurt was worth it to meet people who would otherwise stay outside his professional network.
Planners repeatedly cited informal conversations-in exhibition halls, networking lounges, coffee queues-as more valuable than scheduled appointments. These unplanned moments create unexpected partnerships and help organisers spot emerging destinations and new suppliers in real time.
AI is already changing how associations operate
Organisations are using AI for content creation, proposal reviews and programme development. Cecilia Delgado-Molina from the International Sociological Association said her organisation has adopted AI while maintaining formal staff training and internal policies to ensure responsible use.
The risk is real, though. Toby Bassford from Tillon warned that associations face both opportunity and risk as AI expands. The technology works best when it enhances human expertise rather than replacing it. Associations should position themselves as knowledge centres capable of integrating AI into their core work, not competing against it.
Second-tier European cities are gaining ground
Planners are increasingly interested in smaller European destinations. Roksolana Bobyk from the International Political Science Association attended IMEX Frankfurt specifically to find fresh cities capable of delivering memorable events with authentic local engagement.
She cited Poznań in Poland as an example. Smaller cities offer greater flexibility, stronger institutional support and more personalised collaboration than traditional conference capitals where competition for venues stays intense year-round. They also cost less without sacrificing infrastructure or accessibility.
AI can unlock the intelligence already in the room
Futurist Henry Coutinho-Mason said many events fail to capture the expertise sitting within their own audience. AI can help by analysing attendee interests, enhancing discussion formats and building stronger connections between delegates with shared goals.
Christina Brühl from TIMOCOM agreed. Peer-to-peer learning remains one of the most valuable aspects of corporate events because professionals rarely get chances to openly discuss operational challenges with colleagues facing similar pressures. AI-supported brainstorming, agenda design and post-show lead management systems can turn temporary interactions into long-term business relationships.
The sector is adapting, not resisting
Event professionals made clear that the future combines advanced AI systems with stronger emphasis on human connection and collaborative learning. Technology alone cannot replace the trust, creativity and spontaneous interaction generated through live events.
At the same time, planners acknowledged that AI is becoming essential for improving operational efficiency, analysing attendee behaviour and personalising experiences. Organisations that fail to adopt AI responsibly may struggle to meet evolving audience expectations, especially as attendees demand more tailored content and measurable outcomes.
The meetings industry is balancing technological change with the enduring need for human connection. AI is reshaping planning, negotiations and content creation. But live interaction still drives meaningful business relationships and professional learning. The growing interest in second-tier destinations and smarter audience engagement reflects changing delegate expectations. The sector is adapting AI carefully to strengthen experiences rather than replace them.
For event professionals looking to understand this shift, resources on AI for Hospitality & Events and AI Agents & Automation can help clarify how these tools work in practice.
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