With over 3,000 global buyers and 3,000-plus exhibiting companies already confirmed, IMEX America 2022 is set to be one of its largest editions since its launch in 2011. The numbers suggest a confidence-boosting rebound for the global meetings, incentive travel and business events industry. In all, thousands of event professionals will gather October 10-13 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, giving everyone in the sector an accurate picture of business volumes and pipelines in 2023 and beyond.
Tens of thousands of appointments have already been booked by buyers set to meet suppliers from across the world.
Increased engagement from previous and new North American exhibitors means this year’s U.S. section of the show will also be the largest ever. Boston, Detroit, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia and San Diego will be among the lineup, with Boston set to reveal some new, direct flights to international cities plus upcoming hotel developments. MGM, meanwhile, will give an update on the remodeling of its convention center.
Global destinations from across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East make a significant return to the show, after many were unable to attend in 2021. They include Abu Dhabi, Australia, Bahamas, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Dubai, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Switzerland, Turkey and New Zealand. Ras Al Khaimah is among the destinations exhibiting for the first time.
North and South America are strongly represented with Brazil, Buenos Aires, Canada, Costa Rica and Ecuador among others. Panama will use IMEX America to announce details of its new convention center, hotel openings and forthcoming cruise terminal.
All the major hotel groups will be present including Accor, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International.
With the event technology sector changing rapidly in recent years, attendees can discover a wide range of providers offering event platforms, chatbots, analytics and apps among other solutions. Bizzabo, Cvent, EventMobi, ExpoPlatform, Grip, MeetingPlay + Aventri + eventcore, Eventsforce, Swapcard and Vfairs are among the exhibiting companies. The show’s Tech Hub is the focal point for upcoming start-ups in the sector.
The show’s learning program has also been simplified and redesigned to complement and enhance show floor meetings. Under the theme "Pathways to Clarity," four streamlined tracks—"Respect for People and Planet;" "Future Self;" "Innovation and Creativity;" and "Event Planner Toolkit"—offer sessions with practical insights and techniques to enhance professional relationships and boost business recovery. The program of well over 100 sessions is totally free of charge as part of IMEX’s ongoing commitment to industry advancement.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, says, “Our 2021 come-back show was invested with an air of sheer celebration and excitement as the global industry reunited. This year, the business fundamentals are what stand out. If our numbers are anything to go by, then despite strong macro pressures, including inflation and talent shortages, the bounce-back could be even stronger and more robust than forecasts predict.”
For more information, visit www.imexamerica.com
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