Photo Credit: IMEX
The excitement is palpable about this year’s IMEX America, according to Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX. And with good reason: Attendees will find a variety of new features that will make the event even more productive, educational and enjoyable.
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“There’s been real energy and excitement around the show since we launched registration in June,” Bauer said. “In fact, we had people finding the registration link and registering before we’d even promoted it this year.”
Given the level of enthusiasm, it’s no surprise that Bauer expects an above-average turnout at IMEX America — surpassing even last year’s record-breaking numbers. “Attendee numbers have continued to track ahead of last year,” she said. “In terms of suppliers, we’re seeing many increase their presence at the show, plus many new and returning destinations. China, Guatemala, Indonesia and Saint Lucia are some of the new names to look out for.”
New Developments at IMEX America
From easier meeting bookings to an expanded educational program, IMEX America has lots to offer this year. “We’ve improved the customer journey to remove friction and drive value right from the start, before attendees even arrive at the show,” she explained. “Our processes are simpler, more intuitive and more efficient than before. We’ve now simplified the meeting booking process, and this sits alongside other ongoing benefits, such as free lead scanning via the app for exhibitors — all designed to support collaboration and doing business.”
IMEX America also continues to perfect its ever-popular educational components, according to Bauer. “Knowing that innovation and industry experts are the preferred topic and speaker type, for example, we’ve channeled this into our new Tech Zone Education Stage,” she said. “For those who influence or make decisions around the tech stacks within a business, this is the place to talk about which solutions can deliver efficiencies and how.”
In addition, IMEX America’s range of live presentations will be especially robust this year. Attendees also won’t want to miss Smart Monday, powered by MPI, the dedicated pre-show day of education.
And that’s not all. “A new addition for this year is a partnership with the Unique Speaker Bureau International,” Bauer said. “They’re bringing together over 15 top-level speakers from around the world for a live speaker showcase. Attendees will be able to dip in to these quick-fire sessions and discover potential new speakers for their own events, as well as gain some useful knowledge and insights.”
Long-Term Commitment
These latest developments are just part of the reason why IMEX America continues to be a must-attend event for business event professionals. “Bringing together the industry to do business has always been at the heart of our shows, and it seems that the appetite to do this remains stronger than ever,” Bauer said. “Last year’s IMEX America was our biggest-ever show and reflective of a robust sector with growth in all areas, and both short and long-lead business being booked.”
“IMEX Frankfurt, which took place in May, demonstrated first-hand how the sector is maturing and growing with new destinations and venues now opening,” she added. “This pattern is continuing into IMEX America this year, where we’re seeing particular growth across the Caribbean and North America compared to the same period last year.”
IMEX America’s long-term success comes down to the organization’s overarching principles, according to Bauer.
“IMEX America is a reflection of our values: putting people first,” she said. “We’re passionate about and committed to the global business events community. As such, we put this community at the forefront of every decision and action we take. We bring together what we hear from our colleagues, clients and partners — their pain points, their successes — and build the show around those needs. Whether deliberating over the impact of an innovation or how our events might bring more joy to attendees, our aim is to reinforce human-to-human connections.”