Welcoming The Industry to IMEX America 2026

This October, IMEX America returns to Las Vegas for a special edition on several fronts. The show marks the 15th edition of IMEX America and takes place during IMEX Group’s 25th anniversary year. These milestones offer a valuable opportunity to reflect on how far both
our company and the global business events industry have come, while also looking ahead to what’s coming next.

When we launched IMEX in 2001, our ambition was straightforward: to unite, advance and promote a thriving global industry focused on positive change. Twenty-five years later, that mission remains unchanged, although the world around us has evolved substantially.     

Technology has transformed how we all communicate; AI is reshaping the way we work. Yet one thing continues to hold true: there’s still no substitute for being together face-to-face. In fact, gathering IRL has become more valuable than ever because of our collective screen fatigue. Rising distrust in who or what to believe online is also powering a live event renaissance.

Every year, thousands of event professionals, buyers, suppliers and destination representatives invest their time in attending IMEX America because they recognize the unique value of being in that room. And that value’s increasingly supported by research: the Events Industry Council recently found that 70% of respondents view relationship-building as the aspect of business events that’s hardest to replicate digitally, while Freeman’s Trends Report showed that attendees primarily come to events to gain new ideas and meet new contacts. For me, those findings capture exactly why business events continue to matter: they create the conditions for trust, learning and meaningful connections to flourish.

The continued appetite for face-to-face connection is one of the reasons we’re optimistic about the future. Looking ahead, the 2027 and 2028 editions of IMEX America will take place in September: 28–30 in 2027 and 26–28 in 2028 — we encourage you to note these dates as you plan ahead!

For now, however, our focus is firmly on this October. We’re looking forward to welcoming the global industry back to Las Vegas soon for another week of business, learning, connection and inspiration. Oh, and not forgetting fun!

Learn more about IMEX America here.