IMM breaks records as top travel media event

A record-breaking 280 travel journalists attended TravMedia’s International Media Marketplace (IMM) in London in March.

The day was sponsored by Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the United States, and saw over 6,600 meetings pre-booked between journalists and exhibitors.

Attendees at the event at the QEII Centre included editors and writers representing publications such as The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, The Sun, The Mirror, Daily Express, Wanderlust, National Geographic Traveller, Food and Travel, Family Traveller, ELLE, Bella, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Radio Times, TTG and Travel Weekly.

Some 160 exhibitors from across the world’s travel and tourism industry attended, with large delegations from countries including the USA, Canada, Germany, Italy and Scotland.

Presentation at this year's IMM

Among the brands making their IMM debuts were Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, Croatian National Tourist Board, Dubai Tourism, Isles of Scilly, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Saga Travel, and Trainline.

Bridgett Hebert, manager, Marketing Communications at Brand USA, said: “IMM is an effective event for Brand USA and our exhibiting partners to reach the UK’s influential media. The IMM platform continues to provide Brand USA with a great stage to share our story as the destination marketing organisation for the USA, and to invite a wide variety of UK journalists to share that story with travellers.

“Our ability to connect with writers at this established conference enables us to communicate the depth and breadth of our destination and the experiences available in the United States.”

Henry Hemming, TravMedia UK’s managing director, said: “This year’s IMM went one step beyond everything we’ve ever done, so we’re all on cloud nine!”