Announcing its biggest show yet, IMEX America, a tradeshow for the international meetings, incentive travel and events industry, opened its fourth edition on Oct. 14 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.
With a total of 2,900 companies exhibiting representing more than 150 countries, the number of exhibitors joining the show increased by 8 percent. Over 70 new exhibitor booths and 83 existing exhibitors increase increased booth sizes by 13 percent.
Global regions that have expanded this year are the U.S. and Canada by 16.5 percent; Latin America by 6.5 percent; Europe by 3 percent; and Asia-Pacific, by nearly 8 percent.
Other sectors within the market have shown significant growth with hotel groups up by 26 percent, private sector companies increased by 37.5 percent, technology suppliers up by 20 percent and incentive products by 50 percent.
“We are delighted with the industry’s continued strong response to IMEX America,” said Ray Bloom, chairman, IMEX Group.
With buyers able to use the unique IMEX appointment system to preschedule appointments with exhibitors before the show opens, IMEX has developed a reputation as an efficient and buyer-friendly tradeshow that also satisfies the needs of exhibitors. Buyers pre-arranged 53,000 one-to-one appointments and booth presentations prior to opening. In addition, a total of 1,200 group appointments were also scheduled.
Smart Monday – powered by MPI – kicked off the week of IMEX America on Oct. 13 with a day of intensive professional development. This included the first ever PCMA Business School as well as the show’s annual Association Focus for association executives.
“Every year we set out to add more value, fresh ideas, new partnerships and more choice while maintaining a sharp focus on high quality all round – and that covers the quality of hosted buyers attending as well as the education and networking events on offer,” Bloom added. We want every single participant to leave in no doubt that IMEX America provided them with an unparalleled business experience.”
Twelve other events took place before the show opening including several sets of industry certification programs, the CIC Hall of Leaders Gala, Association Evening, Site Nite North America, the first ever CEIR IMEX America Golf Classic, the Site Young Leaders Conference and the IMEX Challenge.
