IMEX in Frankfurt was full of first times for me. Although I’ve been working at IMEX for almost a year now, it was my first time working on the European edition of our trade show. Thankfully, the meetings industry is becoming much more familiar to me and I’m finally starting to find my feet!

With the rise of bleisure tourism, many travelers seek local and authentic experiences of a destination. The countdown is on for IMEX, and Frankfurt is the perfect place to experience as a local, especially its food and drink scene. Now, I’m sure you’re very busy with planning your appointments and would appreciate any recommendations for what to do in your spare time. I've prepared a list of favourite places that you can explore while in Frankfurt, with your business partners or even alone. Since my move to nearby Heidelberg, I've had the chance to visit few bars and restaurants in Frankfurt and I’m happy to share them with you!

Monica Compton, CMP, is a global meeting planner and travel writer who has worked in over 30 countries and five continents. With three years’ worth of IMEX experience, she’s got plenty of tips and tricks to help your first time at the show go smoothly.