Pre-IMEX Educational Trip Essen

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. 

Day 1 (Saturday, May 16, 2026)

• Arrival and check-in at Hotel
• 5:00 pm Visit of (Airshiphangar) Luftschiffhangar, a unique industrial event venue offering impressive architecture and versatile space for exhibitions, conferences, and special events 
• 7:00 pm Dinner at KETTNERS Kamota, modern restaurant and bar offering creative cuisine and drinks in a stylish, urban atmosphere

Day 2 (Sunday, May 17 2026)

• 10:00 am Have a site visit at Messe Essen, to explore the venue and its modern congress and exhibitions facilities
• 12:00 am Snack Businessclub, Messe Essen
• 3:00 pm Lake Cruise at Lake Baldeney, which offers you relaxing views of nature and historic landmarks
• 6:30 pm Have a nice traditional German dinner at Beergarden Jagdhaus Schellenberg with a stunning view of lake BaldeneBack to Hotel

Day 3 (Monday, May 18, 2026)

• 9:30 am Guided Tour at Zollverein, 10:00 -12:30, where you can explore the history of the iconic coal mine and industrial complex
• 1:00 pm Lunch at Zollverein Imhoff, where you have a panoramic
• 4:30 pm Rüttenscheid Emilia (Coffee Break)
• Free time at your own leisure

Day 4 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)

• We will head together to Frankfurt for the IMEX show

[Program subject to change]

If you would like to join the GCB as a Hosted Buyer for IMEX Frankfurt 2026, 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.