Pre-IMEX Educational Trip Essen
May 17 - May 20, 2025
Essen, located in Germany’s Ruhr region, is a dynamic city blending industrial heritage with modern innovation. Its transformation from a coal and steel hub to a cultural and green metropolis is unique in Europe. This is exemplified by landmarks like the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zeche Zollverein, Museum Folkwang and numerous parks and green spaces that make Essen the third greenest city in Germany.
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ESSEN. CONGRESS. CULTURE. NATURE
We will show you the unique locations in Essen during the Pre-IMEX Educational Trip in Essen.
Located in the heart of Europe, Essen is easily accessible by car, train or via Düsseldorf Airport, which is only 20 minutes away. With over 9,000 hotel rooms, which are also available at fair prices during congresses, and a wide range of accommodations, Essen moreover ensures comfort for every visitor. Its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and rich culture make it an ideal destination for meetings and exhibitions.
With spacious rooms, first-class technology and excellent service, the Congress Center Essen with its optimal location in the centre of Essen offers perfect conditions for events of all kinds. The unique blend of industrial culture, modern design and spacious lawns in the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region provides the perfect backdrop to unique experiences that last.

Three congress centers with a total of 28 rooms directly connected to the Grugahalle - a multifunctional concert and conference hall - and the exhibition halls offer space for several thousand guests and host around 800 events with 80.000 participants every year. An experienced team takes care of the detailed realization of all wishes, from conception to preparation and follow-up to overall organization.
Program
Day 1 (Saturday, May 17, 2025)
- Arrival and check-in at Hotel
- Margarethenhöhe Tour a historic garden-city district, known for its cultural heritage and architecture
- Dinner at Hülsmannshof, a historic half-timbered farmhouse restaurant
Day 2 (Sunday, May 18 2025)
- Visit at Museum Folkwang which provides insights into the collection of modern and contemporary art like works from Van Gogh, Picasso and Expressionists
- Lake Cruise at Lake Baldeney, which offers you relaxing views of nature and historic landmarks
- Guided Tour at Villa Hügel, where you can explore the history and art collections of the influential Krupp family legacy
- Have a nice traditional German dinner at Beergarden Jagdhaus Schellenberg with a stunning view of lake Baldeney
Day 3 (Monday, May 19, 2025)
- Guided Tour at Zollverein, where you can explore the history of the iconic coal mine and industrial complex
- Lunch at Zollverein, where you have a panoramic view of the industrial complex and surrounding cityscape
- Have a site visit at Messe Essen, to explore the venue and its modern congress and exhibitions facilities
- Coffee Break at Businessclub, Messe Essen
- Free time at your own leisure
Day 4 (Tuesday, May 20, 2025)
- We will travel to Frankfurt for the IMEX show.
[Program subject to change]
How Can I Register?
If you would like to join the GCB as a Hosted Buyer for IMEX Frankfurt 2025, please follow the registration link in your invitation e-mail.
As soon as you have been accepted as a Hosted Buyer by IMEX, we will contact you and register you for this Educational Trip.