Thousands of the world’s leading meeting and event planners gathered in Las Vegas September 10-12 for the most successful IMEX America to date. Billed as the industry’s largest trade show in the United States, IMEX Group reports that an estimated 14,000 attendees participated in this year’s event generating an overall economic impact of more than $20 million.
Taking place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, the show included more than 3,500 exhibitors representing more than 150 countries and a total of 76,000 individual and group appointments. This year’s show included 84 new exhibitors including Choice Hotels International, Destination Cleveland, RIU Hotels & Resorts, and Tourism Trinidad.
“Every year, we strive to be our own competition, to push ourselves to deliver richer experiences, better education, and, of course, a really strong business pipeline for our exhibitors. Our partners keep rising to the occasion too,” said Ray Bloom, IMEX Group chairman. “We’ve seen some spectacular booths and activations this year and are delighted to see so many exhibitors aligning with our annual Talking Point and using it so innovatively each year. Their level of investment and commitment to business is remarkable.”
New to this year’s show was the launch of the Event Industry Council’s new Center for Sustainable Events, and the announcement that old APEX standards will be replaced with new EIC standards. In addition, a commitment was made to accelerate the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and to take action on other social justice issues, including sexual harassment and human trafficking.
Bloom recapped other highlights of the week, including dozens of high-level partner events such as EIC’s Hall of Leaders and Pacesetter Awards, MPI Foundation Rendezvous and SITE Nite. IMEX’s efforts to provide a wider range of healthier food and drink choices, including Impossible Burgers and Beyond Meat hotdogs had proved a big hit, together with its waterwise menu options.
“We’re opening people’s eyes to what’s possible with health, wellbeing, sustainability, and better nutrition on the road and during large events. We really appreciate all those partners who have stepped up to help us make these massive strides forward. It’s also noteworthy that, thanks to Sands Expo, this year’s show is 100 percent powered by renewable energy.”
IMEX America is committed to exhibiting in Las Vegas through 2025. “It’s been incredible to see IMEX America’s growth over the last nine years, and it’s an honor for Las Vegas to serve as the home of this leading event as both brands continue to evolve and make impactful changes that shape our industry,” said LVCVA vice president of business sales, John Schreiber. “We look forward to celebrating many additional successes with IMEX Group for years to come.”
Next year’s IMEX America, September 15-17 in Las Vegas, will be celebrating its tenth anniversary.
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