“This is the one show a year that’s on my must-do list. It’s a no-brainer – I invest a few days and from that I gain relationships, new ideas and inspiration to take me through the next year!” Michael Morris, TriMega.
A must-attend event, IMEX America enables meeting and event strategists from across the world to share innovation, business opportunities and knowledge when it takes place October 10 – 12 in Las Vegas. Professionals who organize meetings, events and conferences can meet with international destinations, major hotel groups, DMCs, technology and incentives all under one roof.
As well as packing in a huge amount of global business, attendees can also network, discover the latest industry thinking and enhance their skills in a comprehensive free education program, the day before the show on Smart Monday powered by MPI – October 9.
More exhibitors and opportunities to do global business
There will be new exhibitors from across the US and around the world including Memorable Costa Rica, Boston Convention Marketing Center, COMO Hotels – New York, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Global Incentive Management DMC, Viking Cruises, Live Nation Special Events and Hotel Xcaret Mexico. In the Tech Pavilion EventsCase and CadmiumCD will also be at the show for the first time.
Exhibitors represent all areas of the industry and those with expanded booths this year include the Bahamas, Hungary, Ireland, Accor, IHG, Sonesta Collection, Marriott International, Evenium, 3D Cruise Partners, Allied PRA, multiple exhibitors from California (Long Beach, Anaheim, LA, Monterey County & Santa Barbara), Nashville and Memphis, the Czech Tourist Authority and Visit England.
Exhibitors from all regions of the US, Canada, South America, the Middle East and Europe will bring even more variety and chances to connect and do business as Vanessa Montana, a hosted buyer from Venezuela, who visited the show last year, explains:
“I’ve had business meetings with several existing and new contacts and made good progress with negotiations because it’s so much better to do them face-to-face. I can smile at them!”
IMEX America 2017 will also welcome 10 new hosted buyer groups from all over the world including: Best Cities, Double Dutch, Event Mobi, Westjet, ROOTS MICE – USA/Canada, Event Experiences by Incentive Concepts, Incenta Rewards, Hosts Global, Site South America and Kenes.
Bespoke learning to suit all
Education is a key focus of IMEX America and this year is no exception with opportunities to discover fresh thinking, share ideas and source inspiration. Smart Monday, powered by MPI, takes place the day before the show on Monday October 9 and launches the show’s renowned free education program.
New for Smart Monday is an Event Design Certificate Programme Level 1 of Mastery – a full day workshop in which where the Event Design Collective will introduce the Event Canvas Model, a strategic event management model for customer-centric events.
Another new addition is the Association Leadership Forum, exclusively for association leaders, it will address the multiple challenges of association management and development in a bespoke program created by ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership.
The Executive Meeting Forum, dedicated to high-level corporate executives, combines informal closed networking with an outstanding education program. There’s also the opportunity to experience MBA-level education from inspirational academics at leading universities at the popular PCMA Business School.
Planners can discover global experts, themed tours and hands-on activities during the three days of the show on the Inspiration Hub. Expanded for this year, the Inspiration Hub is set to host over 180 sessions.
Going green
IMEX’s commitment to CSR remains strong and has led to organizers partnering with “Spread the Word Nevada”, a literacy non-profit, for the first time. Attendees are invited to bring a book to the show to donate to the local charity which will pass them on to children and adults across Southern Nevada.
This new initiative is in addition to the already robust Sustainability and CSR programs and best practices at the show that include waste recycling and diversion, energy use, Clean the World® hygiene kit making, Waterwise Wednesday food and drink offerings, the Badgeback program and the #greencaffeine initiative.
Further details of what’s on at IMEX America 2017 can be found here.
