Global events industry shines at the heart of IMEX

By IMEX USA

The 13th edition of IMEX America kicks off today (Tuesday, October 8), shining a light on a global industry that is vibrant, ready to do business and eager to connect.

This week’s show floor reflects a healthy industry, with 7% more space than in 2023 and more than a third of returning exhibitors expanding their hall size, taking the total number of exhibitor stands to more than 400.

Growth was driven primarily by the United States and Canada, the Caribbean, hotel groups and technology companies. IMEX America ’24 features 46 technology booths, one-third of which are new. Hotel groups also now account for nearly 25% of the show’s footprint. Growth was also seen in many other areas of the show, from event production and incentive products to airlines and cruise lines – all of which demonstrates the current strength of the wider business events community.

The number of exhibitors participating in the exhibition for the first time has also increased compared with last year. Among the 70 new booths are Guatemala; Bahrain World Exhibition Center; Sonder Hotels, Destination Niagara USA, Yosemite Park, Experience Grand Rapids and DMCs including Dragonfly Africa and Greenroute Africa.

With more than 80,000 meetings planned between buyers and 3,600 exhibiting companies, the global business events industry will take center stage over the next three days, focusing on the power and importance of face-to-face business, new discoveries and personal connections.

The show’s more than 150 educational sessions, held in the exhibition hall’s Inspiration Center, are designed to enhance business meetings and social events. Attendees can look forward to progressive new formats and a few surprises by learning seven tracks including Impact, IMEX’s talking point. Encore is sharing a new perspective on their immersive experience: Break Free: Unlock Your Impact, which promises to challenge the senses and inspire emotional impact. Google Xi returns with its famous CoLaboratory, offering experimental workshops and activities to encourage play, exploration and meaningful connections.

Learning plans are one of the many ways participants can design their own IMEX experience. Spaces to rest, recharge and experiment are designed into the show so that people can have fun, learn new knowledge, meet the right people and achieve their goals in the middle of a busy trade show.

IMEX CEO Carina Bauer explains: “The business events community is the shining star of IMEX America – our buyers, attendees, exhibitors, speakers and partners deserve to be in the spotlight. Over the past year For a decade or more, the industry has truly taken this show to heart, inspired by the proof of commercial value and the strong sense of community and togetherness they experience here.

“From growing exhibitor participation and exciting immersive activities, to dozens of fringe events both inside and outside the show, it’s clear that the industry now feels empowered to make this show its own. This is a great addition to IMEX A sign of trust in the team and a living embodiment of two of our company values ​​– people first and shared achievement. I’m excited for the week ahead and look forward to hearing about all the deals, new connections and great ideas that will come to fruition here.”