Seventh IMEX America marked by #VegasStrong start and undaunted business focus

Seventh IMEX America marked by #VegasStrong start and undaunted business focus

The seventh edition of IMEX America opened earlier today at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. Although the preshow week was marked by tragedy in the city, from the moment the doors opened on the leading trade show for the US and global meetings industry, it was clear that North American and international planners, executives and suppliers had turned out in force.

With a record 3,300 exhibiting companies the IMEX show floor represents a truly global showcase of suppliers, including all of the world’s largest hotel groups, mature and mid-sized cities from across North America, Europe, South America, Russia, India, China and Africa, destination marketing companies, convention bureaus and agencies. The number of incentive travel and promotional incentive exhibitors has also increased.

As the show opened, pre-booked appointments between buyers and exhibitors were tracking slightly higher than in previous years. Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group said: “Appointment numbers are an important measure for us and our appointment-led business model is an asset for both buyers and suppliers. By arranging appointments in advance, frequently based on an RFP or event specification, we can see how much business is conducted across the week. And we know from experience that appointments at IMEX frequently lead to big deals, sometime two and even three years down the line.”

Michael Unanue of the Stein Eriksen Collection of hotels said: “Today has been phenomenal. I’ve already got 10 RFPs. We’re meeting decision-makers ready to place business. The quality of buyers here is superb.”

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