IMEX America marks ‘turning point’ for industry's regeneration

A busy week of business and comeback stories at IMEX America, which drew to a close on 11 November in Las Vegas, was summed up IMEX chairman Ray Bloom, and CEO, Carina Bauer at the show’s closing press conference in Mandalay Bay. They were joined on the podium by Steve Hill, CEO and president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA); Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI and Stephanie Glanzer, chief sales officer and senior vice-president at MGM Resorts International. Bloom marked the 10th edition of the show with his traditional recap of business statistics from the event. “Over 3,300 buyers were here this week, the vast majority of them hosted buyers. We also had over 2,200 exhibiting companies representing 200-plus countries. Appointments were around 50,000 and feedback shows they produced strong business for exhibitors. Also notable was the quality of business and RFPs coming from walk-up appointments by attendee buyers,” the IMEX chairman noted. Carina Bloom expanded upon the business demand demonstrated during the week. “It’s been heart-warming and joyful to hear so many come-back stories. London & Partners, our friends here today, the LVCVA, and dozens more, including hotel groups such as Mandarin Oriental, have all reported strong business pipelines right through Q3 next year and into 2025. This IMEX week has given us all reason to believe the industry’s future is bright.” The week had seen over 200 education sessions, new education tracks, a new People & Planet Village, with a ‘misfit’ fruit and vegetable juice bar, plus sustainability sessions; a Tech Therapy Area and a daily wellbeing programme which featured the traditional #IMEXrun. The show also offered specialist education for corporate, association and agency executives together with workshops and programmes for students and faculty. Carina Bloom added: “Like so many of you, our team worked long and hard to make IMEX America 2021 come to fruition. We were buoyed up knowing you were watching, waiting and willing it into life because it means so much for our global industry. We couldn’t have done it without you. More importantly we do it for you because we believe so strongly in the economic value and positive impact of this industry all over the world. This week has signalled that – collectively – we’re back, and we’re back in business. Even if you weren’t in the room, we know you felt it from afar.” The dates for IMEX America 2022 were confirmed as 11–13 October, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on October 10. www.imexamerica.com