“We evolve IMEX America every year, with new features and learning opportunities reflecting current trends. However, the core of the show remains constant – with business meetings, new deals and industry contacts powering the busy three days of the show.” Carina Bauer, CEO the IMEX Group, explains what buyers can expect from IMEX America, which begins tomorrow (September 10) in Las Vegas.
At IMEX America, taking place September 10 – 12, planners will find all they need for their events with a choice of over 3,400 representing over 150 countries. There’s an increase in exhibitors across the board including suppliers from hotels, the USA and Canada, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the technology sector.
As ever, there’s a strong focus on business, reflected in the high number of one-to-one and group meetings that have been set up through the unique IMEX appointments system.
New exhibitors – a total of 82 altogether – include destinations Forth Worth, Cleveland, Israel, Los Cabos, Saint Lucia, Trinidad, and Knoxville. Hotels exhibiting at the show for the first time include Choice Hotels International, ITC Hotels India, Leonardo Hotels, RIU Hotels & Resorts, as well as technology suppliers including Animatic Media, Cadre, EventBots by 42Chat, InEvent, InterpreNet and Meetingmax.
Lifelong learning – inspired by the imagination
Beginning with Smart Monday, powered by MPI (taking place today), the show has a free professional education program for planners and exhibitors at all stages of their career. Boundary-breaking artist Phil Hansen launches the week’s program with his MPI keynote Embrace the shake: transforming limitations into opportunities. Hansen will take a fresh look at failure and show how it can become a source of inspiration rather than defeat.
Imagination, IMEX’s Talking Point for this year, informs much of the show floor education taking place on the Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events. One example is The science behind imaginative events by EventMB.com. As research partners on this year’s IMEX industry research report, EventMB.com will present findings and case studies from their report into some of the most imaginative events in the industry. Julius Solaris’ sessions will show how to translate inspiration into business action and explain why imagination elevates performance, both professionally and personally.
Other learning sessions offer insight into how planners can use imagination to boost business through collaboration, diversity and sustainability. Greening the events industry: sustainability superheroes assemble! is a panel of industry-leading professionals – including IMEX’s own COO Nalan Emre – discussing how to work together to imagine new, greener futures and minimize waste.
Dive into the Discovery Zone
Attendee demand for all things experiential is changing the landscape for business events. IMEX America’s new Discovery Zone is packed with experiences to fire up the imagination and inspire planners to explore new approaches. It includes brain art, AR, mountain-themed challenges, mystery tattoos as well as live music and meditation.
Finally, there are countless opportunities to connect—from the glamour of the MPI Foundation Rendezvous to sweating it out on the #IMEXrun or at daily, soulful yoga and movement classes.
Carina concludes: “We work closely with our partners to create an event that brings together and champions the global business events sector, driving business connections and professional development. We’re looking forward to an exceptionally busy and productive week with a high number of appointments and business firmly on the agenda.”
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