IMEX AMERICA: A RECORD-BREAKING EDITION (United States)
Even on the last day, we could see that the show was still buzzing with activity and that there were plenty of meetings on the stands. |
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IMEX AMERICA: A RECORD-BREAKING EDITION (United States)
Even on the last day, we could see that the show was still buzzing with activity and that there were plenty of meetings on the stands. |
Category: North America & West Indies / Carribean islands - United States - Exclusive experiences
- Calendar
Article written by Asia Abadie on 2024-10-18
 The most exclusive hotels are present at IMEX America
Photo credit © Sylvie Leroy
This year's edition showcased the resilience and growth of the industry with various events and initiatives that brought the global business events industry together in Las Vegas. One of the standout features of this year's IMEX was the multitude of fringe events, which enriched the experience for attendees by offering tailored networking, wellness, and educational opportunities.
A key highlight was the launch of the Brand Experience Summit, developed in partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Allegiant Stadium. This event was designed to bridge the gap between senior marketers and event professionals, focusing on live events as a vital marketing channel. By emphasizing the role of live events in building brand loyalty and driving business outcomes, the summit showcased how events can leave a lasting impact on participants and brands alike.
Impact has been the keyword for IMEX for the last two years. Carina Bauer explained how the theme represents three areas: "the impact that events can have, the impact that we can have as a business, but also the impact that we make on society and also how we relate to each other."
Sustainability, as always, was at the core of all conversations and the event as a whole. As it remains a priority for IMEX, the organisers worked in collaboration with Meet Green and MGM to classify the event as a zero-waste event. During the closing press conference, it was reported that the Mandalay Bay solar panels powered much of the event, while sustainable practices such as compostable serviceware and eco-friendly badge holders were introduced. In addition to those efforts, IMEX worked closely with the event's F&B team to have the menus feature items with lower water usage.
Many partnerships were made or renewed during the show, and records were broken. Virgin Atlantic renewed its aim for incentive travel. The SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) released the last edition of its Travel Index, reporting an expected increase by 2026 in incentive travel activity compared to this year. Drew Holmgreen, Chief Experience Officer at Meeting Professionals International (MPI), reflected on the partnership with IMEX over the past 20 years and its impact on the industry. With MPI, IMEX raised $500,000 for scholarships, grants, and research initiatives this year, which was another record IMEX broke. Over three days, 530 participants engaged in 15 sessions hosted at the MPI booth. MPI also revealed plans for upcoming events, such as the European Meetings and Events Conference in Istanbul in 2025, the World Education Congress in St. Louis in 2025, and San Antonio in 2026, offering more opportunities for industry professionals to enhance their skills.
When asked if they'd ever consider moving the show to a city other than Las Vegas, Bauer reassured they "intend to be indefinitely in Las Vegas and in Mandalay Bay."
Throughout this edition, Journal des Palaces met with various representatives of either countries or hotels worldwide. Whether this was to prepare a trip to Japan, to visit for example the Fairmont Tokyo, opening in July, or with the tourism board of Puerto Rico to learn about "living Boricua", but also catching up with friends from the French luxury hospitality who were well represented at the show, or taking a tequila class from Jose Cuervos' great-grand-son, on the Los Cabos stand, this edition was, for us too, a busy and fruitful one!
 We visited the Japan stand in preparation for future coverage.
Photo credit © Asia Abadie / IMEX
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