The key is the symbolic baton of the IMM and is handed over by the current year's host club to the following year's host club during the closing ceremony. 

We are not sure how this tradition originated or why a key was chosen, but we do understand that there have been at least 3 versions of the IMM key.

We have been told that the very first IMM key was cut out of MDF and covered in silver foil.  This key was reportedly presented by IMM 1999 organisers the Mini Moke Club to the Flying Finns, organising club of the IMM 2000.

We believe that the 2nd key, cut out of metal this time, dates from around 2003.

The current key dates from 2008 and includes an engraved plaque for each of the organising clubs to date.