IMEX America 2023 finding appetite for business is 'stronger than ever’

Organisers of IMEX America say they are responding to a widespread desire for high value, face-to-face connection, by focussing on asking people ‘Are You In?’ as part of their marketing campaign. Just seven weeks after registration opened, the answer appears to be a resounding ‘Yes! ‘ with 3,000 global buyers reportedly already registered for the trade show. It takes place 17–19 October at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Organisers add that 40 new exhibiting companies have so far contracted, a further sign, they say, that the North American and global events industry is finally shaking off the = effects of the pandemic to focus on nurturing new business pipelines and market opportunities. The area of the show dedicated to the USA is set to be bigger than ever. Arizona, Boston, Chicago, LA, Miami, New Orleans, San Francisco and Seattle have all expanded their stand space and Denver will have its largest ever booth. MGM Resorts is also increasing its presence with the MGM Grand Las Vegas recently recognised as the largest single hotel in the world.  California, Detroit, Orlando, Omaha and Montreal are among the US destinations investing in sponsored activations at the show. Destinations from across Europe and the Middle East are strongly represented. They include Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Monaco, Spain and Dubai. Wales is among the destinations exhibiting for the first time.  Likewise, Asia Pacific makes a marked return to the show with Seoul, Tokyo and Taiwan among those confirmed so far. Major hotel groups present include Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, Four Seasons, Marriott, Radisson and Wyndham. With the event technology sector going through massive change in recent years, including the rapid adoption of AI, attendees are promised a wide choice of providers offering event platforms, chatbots, analytics and apps designed to respond to current market needs. Cvent, EventMobi, Fielddrive, RefTech and STOVA are among the tech companies confirmed so far. Learning programme raises tough topics  The 2023 show’s learning programme has been simplified and redesigned to enhance show floor meetings between buyers and suppliers. Tahira Endean, head of programming at the IMEX Group, explains: “This year we’re testing plenty of new short-form formats; we’ve challenged our speakers to create presentations that are engaging and instantly usable to meet the new ways that people want to learn or consume information. Short. Snappy. Entertaining. Easy to remember and digest… these are the buzzwords of our education programming right now. “And with Human Nature as the IMEX Talking Point for 2023, we’ve intentionally crafted our programme to deliver a balance of both personal and professional growth opportunities. Shaping the programme this way recognises that we bring the ‘whole of ourselves’ to a business event.” Guidance for first-timers  Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, says: “We know that face-to-face events are where some of the most significant and valuable business conversations take place, so we carefully design both the online and IRL aspects of IMEX America to facilitate that.” “This year we’re helping first-timers come together. We’re offering support, advice and ideas covering everything from how to plan meetings at the show, how to dig into education or decide what to wear, where to eat and who to meet!” the IMEX CEO adds. IMEX America takes place at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, 17-19 October, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on Monday 16 October.