by IMEX America
The 13th edition of IMEX America opened its doors today, Tuesday October 8, shining a light on a global industry that’s buoyant, ready to do business and eager to connect.
This week the show floor reflects a sector that’s in robust health with a 7 per cent increase in space compared to 2023, over a third of returning exhibitors expanding their show floor presence and over 400 exhibitor booths in total.
Growth is primarily being driven by the USA & Canada, the Caribbean, hotel groups and technology companies. IMEX America ‘24 is home to 46 technology booths, of which one third are new. Hotel groups also now represent close to 25 per cent of the show’s footprint. Many other sectors of the show have also seen growth, from event production and incentive products to airlines and cruise lines – all pointing to the current strength of the wider business events community.
The number of exhibiting companies joining the show for the first time has also increased from last year. Among the 70 new booths are Guatemala; Exhibition World Bahrain; Sonder Hotels, Destination Niagara USA, Yosemite Park, Experience Grand Rapids along with DMCs including Dragonfly Africa and Greenroute Africa.
With over 80,000 meetings planned between buyers and the 3,600 exhibiting companies, the global business event industry is set to take center stage over the next three days, focusing on the power and importance of face-to-face business, new discoveries and personal connections.
The show’s 150+ session education program taking place on the show floor’s Inspiration Hub is designed to supercharge the business meetings and networking. With learning across seven tracks, including Impact (IMEX’s Talking Point), attendees can expect progressive new formats and a few surprises. Encore is sharing a fresh take on their immersive experience, Break Free: Unlock Your Impact, promising to challenge the senses and spark emotional impact. Google Xi returns with its renowned CoLaboratory offering experimental workshops and activations to encourage play, exploration and meaningful connection.
The learning program is one of many ways in which participants can design their own IMEX experience. Spaces for rest, recharge and experimentation have been designed into the show, enabling people to navigate the busy business show in a way that helps them have fun, learn something new, meet the right people and achieve their goals.
IMEX CEO, Carina Bauer, explains: “The business events community is the shining star of IMEX America – our buyers, attendees, exhibitors, speakers and partners rightfully take the spotlight. Over the last decade or more the industry has really taken this show to their hearts, encouraged by proof of business value but also the strong sense of community and togetherness they experience here.
“From growing exhibitor participation and exciting, immersive activations, through to dozens of fringe events both on and off the show floor, it’s now clear the sector feels empowered to make this show their own. It’s a sign of the trust placed in the IMEX team and a living expression of two of our company values – people first and achieve together. I’m excited for the week ahead and looking forward to hearing about all the deals, the new connections and the bright ideas that will spring to life here.”
