New destinations are looking to break into the U.S. meetings market, resorts are investing in facilities and experiences for groups, and suppliers are finding new ways to help planners deliver more value.
Those were among the developments emerging from the show floor on Day 2 at IMEX America, taking place Oct. 13-15 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
For first-time exhibitor Sao Paulo, the show is an opportunity to introduce the Brazilian city to a broader audience of meeting and incentive planners. “People are looking for new destinations for incentives, and our city is still a new destination for much of the world,” said Estella Barros of City Hall of Sao Paulo.
The National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro, also exhibiting for the first time, is working to build the country’s profile as a meetings and incentives destination. “Montenegro is growing as a meetings and incentives destination, with prestigious hotel brands arriving and our capacity increasing,” said spokesperson Aleksandra Maksimovic.
For Rwanda Convention Bureau, returning to the show is already generating leads. Sales Manager for Corporate & Incentive Carolyne Nkwihoreze reported three RFPs by the first day, including inquiries from Wikipedia, the International Federation of Landscape Architects and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Repeated exposure at IMEX, she said, helps build buyer confidence in the destination.
Adero Scottsdale Plans Major Expansion
Meanwhile, resort operators are also investing in facilities and amenities designed to broaden their appeal to meeting and incentive groups, and a few spoke to Prevue about their plans.
Adero Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection, for one, will undergo a major renovation and expansion that will add meeting space and broaden the resort’s wellness offerings. Chris Sariego, COO of LionGrove, a Miami-based investment firm that acquired the property in 2025, outlined plans for an expanded spa with new relaxation areas, a hammam, cold plunge, red-light therapy and salt rooms. An existing bar will be converted into a wellness bar, while a current restaurant will be reconfigured into separate restaurant and lounge spaces.
The plans also call for a new meeting facility, the Grand Sonoran Pavilion, which Sariego said would double the resort’s indoor meeting space and triple its outdoor meeting space. The 177-key resort offers sweeping views of the surrounding canyon landscape.
Renovations are scheduled to begin during the low season in 2027, with completion targeted for December 2027.
Outrigger Adds Dining and Entertainment Options
In Hawaii, Outrigger Hospitality Group is building on its local roots through food and entertainment partnerships.
Nathan Decker, Director of Group Sales, pointed to Duke’s Waikiki at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and the planned addition of Duke’s Kona at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa on the Big Island as prime examples of their partnership strategies.
Outrigger has also partnered with Cirque du Soleil on Auana, a production at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber in Honolulu, adding a custom-built 784-seat theater for the show.
Decker said the company’s connection to Hawaii is central to its appeal, noting that local residents have a longstanding affinity for the properties because the brand originated in the islands.
Lexington Promotes Convention Access and Kentucky Experiences
Visit Lexington is promoting a combination of convention infrastructure and distinctly Kentucky experiences, including a renovation of the Hyatt Regency Lexington, which is connected to Central Bank Center, the city’s primary convention facility.
Beyond the meeting venues, planners can build programs around the region’s horse culture, including visits to local farms through Visit Horse Country, a consortium that connects visitors with equine experiences. The city also offers opportunities to incorporate horse-racing themes or tailgate-style events into group itineraries.
Kentucky’s film tax incentive offers another angle for the destination. According to a spokesperson for Visit Lexington, actor Steve Zahn is among those championing film production in Lexington, as the city looks to attract more projects and showcase its appeal to the industry.
Technology and Inclusion Remain on the Agenda
In addition to major updates, the show’s education program addressed operational challenges and the attendee experience.
At the Inspiration Hub, a State of the Industry session featuring IMEX CEO Carina Bauer, Kevin Hinton of the U.S. Travel Association’s Group Travel division and Amanda Cox of Marriott Bonvoy Convention & Resort Network examined destination perceptions, event design and uncertainty. Bauer said contingency planning has become essential, while Cox emphasized the importance of shared risk and open communication between clients and suppliers.
Technology providers also stressed the importance of infrastructure behind the attendee experience. Encore’s Candace Mueller said planners need to consider connectivity before an event begins, particularly as AI tools become more common. Personal hotspots can interfere with venue networks, she noted, while insufficient bandwidth can undermine an event when technology is needed most.
Inclusive design was another focus. Paula Rowntree of the Australian Psychological Society presented practical approaches to neurodivergent-inclusive events, emphasizing that sensory elements such as sound can affect attendees differently. The takeaway for planners: design choices that help attendees feel comfortable and participate fully can benefit the broader audience, too.
IMEX America runs through Oct. 15 at Mandalay Bay. The show will move to a September schedule for its next two editions, taking place Sept. 28-30, 2027, and Sept. 26-28, 2028.
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