IMEX Group has confirmed that Russian state enterprises have been suspended from attending IMEX Frankfurt, which takes place 31 May to 2 June.
The Group’s CEO, Carina Bauer and chairman, Ray Bloom, released a statement, 1 March, confirming the suspension is a direct result of the ongoing military aggression.
The statement read: “Sadly, today we have taken the decision to suspend Russian state enterprises from participating at IMEX in Frankfurt 2022, as a direct result of the current political situation.
“We do this with a heavy heart, understanding that the world is in an unprecedented situation.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who is affected and especially the people of Ukraine. All of us wish for a speedy and peaceful resolution to this conflict.”
IMEX Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest tradeshows for the meetings, incentives, conference, and exhibitions (MICE) industry. More than 5,100 hosted buyers attend to show to meet more than 3,000 exhibitors from 170 countries.
Messe Frankfurt calls for peace
Host venue Messe Frankfurt have also released a statement, which stopped short of calling out Russian aggression but called for peace all the same. It read: “Messe Frankfurt is looking with great concern at the tragic developments in Ukraine these days.
“Our company creates internationally neutral communications and trade platforms where people of all nations come together. Our corporate principles stand for peaceful co-existence and trade relations of the same kind – because this is a prerequisite for a functioning international economy and for a functioning international coexistence as a whole.”
Pictured: IMEX Frankfurt show floor, 2018.
