At right, heading onto the showfloor on opening day of IMEX America 2016
Final figures published for the sixth IMEX America confirm that the trade show broke many significant records.
The latest statistics released for IMEX America, which took place 18 – 20 October, confirm that 12,227 meetings, events and incentive travel industry professionals were at the show in Las Vegas, an increase of 14 per cent from the previous year.
There was a six per cent increase in the amount of hosted buyers who attended – 3,216 from 60 countries. Three quarters of these (73 per cent) were from the US and Canada. Long haul buyers came from China, India, Australia, Japan, Russia and the UK.
Prescheduled appointments numbered 60,000 – more than in 2015 – and 10,000 buyers also took part in group appointments.
Commenting on her experience this year, Claudia Cavariani, a hosted buyer from Dafing Group in Argentina, said: “One of the many things IMEX does well is the appointment system – it works out so well for both exhibitors and hosted buyers. It’s flexible and efficient – the exhibitors have prepared information for you so you spend your time well. It’s a show where I do serious business.”
IMEX America 2016 also welcomed a record number of exhibiting companies – 3,250, a 4.8% increase on 2015 – representing 139 countries. These included 69 new booths and another 69 exhibitors who increased their booth space. Together they created the largest ever IMEX America.
Stephanie Mynett from Meet Birmingham, one of the exhibitors, explained: “I’ve talked with a good mixture of association and corporate buyers. In the space of one hour I received four enquiries which has justified my participation.”
The IMEX America 2016 show stats can be downloaded at http://www.imexamerica.com/about-us/show-statistics/.
The IMEX Group organises two global trade shows in the meetings and events sector. IMEX in Frankfurt has been held since 2002 and was joined in 2011 by IMEX America. Both trade shows offer unprecedented business opportunities combined with a great industry gathering. In partnership with the industry’s key associations, IMEX’s unique model is complemented by extensive free education and networking. Meeting industry suppliers from across the world are present at IMEX trade shows. Exhibitors include national and regional tourist offices, convention and visitor bureau’s, hotels, conference and exhibition centres, cruise lines, airlines, spa resorts, event management specialists and more. IMEX 2017: May 16 – 18 Frankfurt | www.imex-frankfurt.com; IMEX America 2017: October 10 – 12 Las Vegas | www.imexamerica.com
