IMEX America, the international meetings industry trade show, will return to Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Oct.10-13, with more international buyers and suppliers than it attracted in 2021, as well as a revamped slate of education offerings.
IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer says one of the main things she is excited about for the 2022 show is being able to deliver a second IMEX America post-Covid. "We were so proud of what we were able to achieve in 2021 in light of the conditions and travel restrictions due to the pandemic," she said, "but this year we’ll be able to deliver a far richer show in terms of the exhibitors participating and the activities that are planned."
She added that Covid vaccinations or testing will not be required for entry to the show, unlike in 2021. "However, we are still very mindful of taking safety precautions into account and ensuring that the show is as safe as possible," noted Bauer.
With the easing of travel restrictions, the show is expected to attract 2,800 to 3,000 hosted buyers. According to Bauer, "We will definitely have a greater percentage of international groups. We have strong buyer groups coming from across Europe, particularly the U.K., Germany and Latin America, as well as some groups from Southeast Asia, Australia and the Middle East."
The IMEX team is also anticipating a much larger show floor than it had in 2021. "Dozens of suppliers from Asia and Europe, who were unable to take part in 2021, are returning this October," Bauer said. "These include suppliers from Portugal, Tokyo, Malaysia and Egypt."
In other news, the IMEX team has streamlined its 10 education tracks and will now offer four, under the theme "Pathways to Clarity." The tracks are Respect for People and Planet, Future Self, Innovation and Creativity, and the Event Planner Toolkit.
More than 200 educational events will be offered over four days, beginning with Smart Monday on Oct. 10. The full day of learning will feature three areas: Executive Meeting Forum, Corporate Focus and Association Leadership Forum. Other industry organizations, including the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, the Events Industry Council and Meeting Professionals International, will present sessions. She Means Business is also on the Smart Monday agenda.
The show will again feature its Inspiration Hub on the trade show floor. Sessions will address topics including supply chains, contract clauses, pricing fluidity, cryptocurrencies and the metaverse.
IMEX America will continue to champion sustainability, diversity and social impact throughout the education and across show floor activity with its IMEX-EIC People and Planet Village, held in a shared campfire area. The Be Well Lounge will give attendees the opportunity to meditate and have a few mindful moments, and several show-floor sessions and events will be dedicated to wellness.
