Unprecedented Attendance, Educational Milestones, and Exhibitor Growth Mark IMEX America’s 12th Year
The vibrant Las Vegas played the perfect backdrop to IMEX America 2023, as the event celebrated its 12th remarkable year. Beyond acknowledging its storied past, this year ushered in a groundbreaking era for the meetings and events industry, further amplified by its partner, MPI, achieving new milestones.
IMEX America 2023 experienced a surge in attendance that surpassed all prior editions. Spanning a few days in October, the exhibition boasted a significant increase in exhibitor booths and saw a substantial expansion of exhibitor space, underscoring the continued importance of in-person meetings and events.
Ray Bloom, Chairman of IMEX, was visibly excited about the event’s scale and remarked, “This year’s show stands out not just in its size but the caliber of participants. The industry is bouncing back, and it’s palpable in the interactions and transactions happening around.”
In comparison to its predecessors, this edition of IMEX America truly shined in its turnout. Insights from IMEX CEO Carina Bauer revealed an influx of attendees, a sizeable portion of whom were buyers. Among these, a significant chunk represented corporate planners, highlighting a trend of increased corporate interest in the event.
Pre-scheduled appointments, a key success indicator for IMEX, were abundant, with many being direct one-on-one interactions between buyers and exhibitors. Innovations weren’t amiss either, with a new feature allowing on-the-fly scheduling via the freshly launched IMEX America app.
An impressive volume of badge scans were recorded, translating to promising leads for participants. Additionally, the Inspiration Hub on the exhibit floor saw a flurry of activity, with attendees keenly participating in various educational sessions.
Championing inclusivity, IMEX America 2023 rolled out an Accessibility Guide, a testament to IMEX Group’s commitment to creating an event that is welcoming to all.
MPI (Meeting Professionals International) also made its presence felt. Their educational initiative, Smart Monday, was bustling with participants. Furthermore, their Rendezvous event, which supports the MPI Foundation, was an unmissable affair.
Drew Holmgreen, Chief Brand Officer for MPI, was all praise for the event, commenting, “MPI’s involvement this year was nothing short of record-breaking.”
In terms of exhibition, IMEX America 2023 saw growth across the board. From a sheer number of booths to the space they occupied, this year was unparalleled. A testament to the industry’s optimism was evident as many exhibitors opted for bigger booth spaces.
Regional exhibitor contributions saw Asia Pacific and Africa leading the charge, with countries like Morocco making significant strides. Debutants, like Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, announced their entry with a splash, while stalwarts from the U.S. and Canada showcased marked growth. The hotel sector, too, was in expansion mode, with industry giants and newcomers alike setting up shop.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, summed it up aptly: “The resilience and adaptability of the global business events industry are commendable. Our focus remains on fostering genuine human connections. As we navigate these challenging times, it’s vital to remember the profound impact our industry can make.”
In wrapping up, IMEX America 2023 was more than just another event. It set the bar high, reminding everyone of the strength of connections, the importance of learning, and the collaborative spirit of the industry. While it was a nod to its illustrious past, it was also a beacon of hope and innovation, ensuring that participants left with high anticipation for the future.
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