Healthy business pipeline fuels second day of IMEX America

The second day of IMEX America, 12 October, was another day of busy appointments for exhibitors and buyers and appointments. James Rees from ExCeL London, said: “We’ve met clients who we’ve previously hosted, such as VidCon, who are returning to us to discuss bringing their event back to our venue in 2024 and 2025. There’s been a huge shift of staff in the industry, so the show is a chance for us to meet our old contacts in their new roles and build relationships with new people.” Visit Scotland’s Richard Knight, noted: “It’s all about filling that pipeline for 2023/2024 and planners are scouting many new venues and hotels. We are definitely taking inquiries and normally we convert a good proportion of these into business.” This year’s IMEX America is marked by a particularly strong turnout from North American exhibitors. Amy Brown from Fort Worth Convention Bureau said they had invested in the show have our own booth for the first time. “It’s been worth it and our partners are pleased. Yesterday, one of our hotel partners closed a deal at the show for a medical event.” Sustainability is continuing its rise as a key driver of business conversations and Vancouver’s impressive track record played a part in securing new leads. Lacy Garvey from Destination Vancouver said they had received a number of city-wide leads at IMEX, “which for us is groups larger than 1,000 using the convention centre and at least three large hotels. One of the leads is a very large tech company who is very impressed with our sustainability practices – in fact, our focus on sustainability was one of the key deciding factors. They gave us feedback that we did a really good job of showing them that we don’t just say it – we actually live it.” “Sustainability and wellbeing is now leading many of our conversations with planners”, added Suzanne Watson from Liverpool Convention Bureau. “We’re having detailed conversations about food waste, carbon footprint and wellness breaks.” The show is fuelling fresh ideas as attendee, Li Hayes of Go Leeward said: “What I love about this event is that it’s fresh. There are things here that I’ve never seen before. Things I’ve done that I’ve never done before.” IMEX America continues until 13 October at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Day 2 had started for some with the IMEXrun. Attendees gathered as for a 5km fun run along the famous Strip.