IMEX America is poised to address the new needs of the industry, bringing together the global trade event community for a four-day event designed to deliver a personalized, targeted and enjoyable trade experience.
In a business climate defined by inflationary pressures, supply chain issues, and talent shortages, IMEX America has been designed to guide attendees to the people, products, and learnings that best fit their specific needs. .
Just two months after registration opened, more than 3,000 global buyers have so far confirmed their participation.
There has also been strong demand from suppliers from an early stage, with international exhibitors making a strong return to the show. This includes all major hotel groups such as Associated Luxury Hotels International, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International.
They are joined by a host of major global destinations from across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, including: Abu Dhabi, Australia, Bahamas, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Dubai, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Switzerland, Turkey and New Zealand . Ras Al Khaimah is one of the destinations exhibiting at the fair for the first time.
North and South America are also heavily represented and many are investing in their presence at the show with increased booth space, including: Atlantic City, Los Cabos, Mexico, Miami, Milwaukee, Orlando and The Palm Beaches. These destinations will sit alongside new and returning exhibitors such as Ecuador, Experience Columbus, Lexington, Napa Valley, Park City, Pasadena, Salt Lake, Uruguay, and Wisconsin.
The free learning program has been streamlined to allow attendees to immediately identify the sessions that best fit their current needs. Under the slogan ‘Paths to Clarity’, the IMEX team has simplified the number of educational tracks from 10 to four: Respect for people and the planet; future self; Innovation and creativity; Toolkit for the event planner. A global lineup of speakers will offer honest conversation and new insights on today’s challenges, as well as provide the tools to improve meetings on the show floor and ultimately drive business recovery.
Show floor education takes place in the expanded Inspiration Hub with sessions addressing topics such as managing supply chains, volunteer burnout, and venue contracts. Digital dragons, cryptocurrencies and the metaverse will be explained and explored, while sessions on divergent thinking and the language of diversity acknowledge new demands in the workplace.
There are personalized opportunities for corporate and association planners to meet, connect and learn throughout the show, beginning with Smart Monday on October 10, powered by MPI. There are also IAEE, EIC and MPI sessions, as well as Ella She Ella Means Business, a joint event of IMEX and tw magazine, supported by MPI.
“We know that face-to-face events are where the best and most nuanced conversations take place, and IMEX America has been designed to facilitate and support these meetings,” explains Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group. “We have ensured that the show offers buyers the opportunity to customize their experience to meet their current needs and achieve multiple goals. The wide range of international suppliers, redesigned apprenticeship program and extensive opportunities to connect are set to support buyers’ business requirements now and in the year to come.”