The rise of incentives and positive destination impacts to the fore on Day 2 of IMEX America

IMEX America remained busy on Day 2 in Las Vegas, 18 October, with much business reported. “Day 1 I negotiated a contract and day two we finalised it. It was for an association group. I’ve just had an appointment with a Fortune 500 financial institution, so I’m thrilled,” said Jessica Cox, Embassy Suites, Nashville Downtown. Dawn Candrea, Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, added: “I had a meeting with a client I met for the first time at IMEX America last year and this led to her signing a contract and booking a programme. She returned to see me.” Secret sauce Relationship building is the ‘secret sauce’ for many, including the association sector as Kiki L’Italien, CEO and founder of Amplified Growth, explained: “We have so many tools to help us, but the human connection – how we work together – is crucial.” Kiki was part of an Association Leaders Power Hour panel discussion on the show’s Inspiration Hub, sponsored by WebEx. The theme – how to build trust, membership retention, building a strong community and brand. She shared some favorite communication hacks: “Communicate with consistency, clarity and transparency. There’s always a way we can improve on the way we communicate.” Meg Fasy, founder & CEO of FazeFWD, also part of the panel, added: “Don’t be afraid to own your mistakes – this can reinforce relationships in the long run, it’s about having integrity.” Incentives on the rise Incentives, particularly those that pull back the curtain on a destination to reveal a fuller cultural, artistic or other story, are sharply in focus this year. “We received many inquiries for incentives – it feels like companies want to reward employees after the pandemic and thank them for their support. This puts Europe in a good place – it’s a special place to go because many people haven’t been there for so long,”  said Simon Kromer from Vienna Convention Bureau. Silvana Gomes, corporate and incentive coordinator at Embratur (Brazilian Promotional Board), agreed: “We’ve seen a high demand for incentives, especially educational sessions related to social impact and lived experiences. Planners are looking for ways that their groups can get a better sense of the way of life in a destination.” Destinations also shared how they work with planners to create a positive impact in their location in a series of short case studies on the Inspiration Hub. Organisers reported that over 400 people had registered for the IMEXrun on the morning of Day 2 of the show. Taking in the glittering Strip, the 5km route formed an energetic start to the day. This year’s IMEXrun was sponsored by the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) and Amsterdam Convention Bureau and powered by PRA in partnership with IMEX. IMEX America concludes 19 October at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.