IMEX America 2023- the Record-Breaking Edition

2011 was the inaugural Las Vegas edition of IMEX America, the largest trade show for international meetings, events, and incentive travel. The IMEX Group, which founded IMEX Frankfurt in 2003, introduced the event. The aim was to establish a prominent platform in the US where business professionals could network, transact, and learn about the newest developments and trends. With thousands of exhibitors and visitors worldwide, IMEX America has expanded dramatically since its founding. Every year, the event occurs in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and features an extensive schedule that includes networking opportunities, educational sessions, and a busy exposition floor. IMEX America is the leading trade show in the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. Held annually at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, this event brings together suppliers and buyers from every sector of the meetings industry under one roof. The show offers a comprehensive four-day program with specialist education sessions, networking opportunities, and more. Travel enthusiasts gather under one roof each year to discuss the latest innovations and future industry trends. The best part is that it is free to attend. The four days of this event will provide you with every opportunity possible. Be it networking, education, or business deals, attending IMEX America gives you the best experience and more.

With over 150 courses intended to improve professional knowledge and abilities, IMEX America is renowned for its top-notch educational offerings. In keeping with its goal of promoting positive change throughout the international events community, the event also strongly emphasizes sustainability and beneficial effects. IMEX America, which is renowned for its top-notch programming and the chance it gives professionals to do a year's worth of business in a few days, has grown in importance over the years for the meetings industry. The success of the event is also due to its hosted buyer program, which provides free travel and lodging to eligible buyers, guaranteeing a high level of participation from powerful decision-makers. As it moves forward, IMEX America will continue to emphasize sustainability and good deeds, in line with its goal of promoting constructive change in the international events industry.

Today, we present you with IMEX America 2023, a milestone in IMEX’s history. With around 360 exhibiting booths, IMEX 2023 saw an increase of 9% compared to 2022. The trade show held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center from October 16-19 attracted thousands of professionals from the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry. It broke all the records made in the previous editions. And here’s how!

Slayed the Showstats

In terms of participants, there were over 15,000 individuals attending IMEX 2023. Around 83,000 individuals attended meetings, which included one-on-one group appointments and booth presentations. Over 90 press agencies participated in the event.

In terms of exhibitors, over 3,000 exhibiting companies attended IMEX 2023 from over 150 countries around the world. IMEX 2023 hosted over 5,000 buyers. A few numbers are categorized according to the hosted buyers and buyer attendees. A total of 4,201 hosted buyers from 65 countries were present at IMEX 2023, out of which 43% were director level and above, and 27% among them controlled a budget capacity of over $10 million. A total of 1,163 buyer attendees from 43 countries were hosted in 2023, among which 51% were director-level and above, and 47% were corporate buyers. Major competitors hail mainly from the US, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.

Dynamic Education

Smart Monday, which took place the day before the show floor opening, attracted around 1,200 participants. It featured a full day of educational programming and keynotes. Burning industry topics and trends, including AI applications, F&B trends, building spaces that facilitate inclusivity at events, and sustainability, were some of the topics discussed.

Educational discussions and seminars continued throughout the event, spanning over 50-75 sessions, which took place on the show floor at the Innovation Hub daily. The Innovation Hub attracted around 2,000 participants. It featured excellent speakers who presented on topics like quieting the inner critic, positive intelligence, and recognizing the risks of safety and risks associated with large-scale meetings and events.

Bustling New Technology

At IMEX Las Vegas, attendees witnessed a new tech stack at the event app, allowing them to make appointments on the go while on the show floor. This resulted in 3,000 appointments being made through the app. An interactive show floor map, which provided participants and exhibitors the convenience of easy navigation, was also a new feature in the app.

By using a wide array of features in the app, exhibitors and buyers could scan each other’s badges. This technology helped them to collect insights and forge connections to follow up with even after the show ended. Numbers show more than 120,000 scans between buyers and exhibitors throughout the event. Exhibitors showcased their products, services and innovative ideas with showstopper booth designs, activations on the show floor and promotional materials.

What to expect at IMEX 2024

IMEX 2024 is back with a bang at Mandalay Bay, LV, from October 8-10, 2024. It is a powerhouse of the most productive, creatively designed, profitable, and inclusive business and learning opportunities. This event is absolutely free to attend. Their unique hosted buyer program even facilitates free and flexible flights, free accommodations, and VIP treatment.

This year, the heartbeat of the global business events industry will host more than 150 educational and networking activities. The IMEX team tries to attend numerous niche events during the year and bring its visitors the best, brightest, and most relevant speakers, topics, and learning formats. Considering that 85% of the exhibitors repeat their exhibits, this trade show is sure to give you the most entertaining, valuable, and memorable experience in terms of learning and business growth.

Even if you are a first-timer attending the IMEX 2024, there is little to worry about as IMEX has formulated all the tips and tricks on their website for a perfect first visit to their show. From creating your account to exploring Las Vegas and the trade show, everything is served to you through their team. Therefore, take a chance and visit IMEX 2024 for the most exhilarating learning and growing experience.

Note that the show timings are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, and Wednesday, October 9. On Thursday, October 9, the show will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all attendees. However, it is advised that you arrive before 9 a.m. to avoid overcrowding at the venue. Exhibitors will have access to the exhibit hall from 7 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, and 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10.

Choose Exhibits Studio at IMEX 2024

Are you looking forward to making a statement at the leading trade show of the global trade industry? Look no further; as the best exhibit booth builders, Exhibit Studio is available. With almost a decade of experience, we are a leading name in the industry. Our seasoned designers at Exhibits Studio redefine the meaning of an eye-catching trade show booth and curate the best possible designs for your brand to showcase at your desired location. No matter where you are in the US, Exhibits Studio can be your ideal partner to create a seamless process of building your dream exhibit booth display. Want more? We also provide additional services such as experiential marketing and brand activation to give your company the brand awareness it deserves.

If you missed us at IMEX 2023, don't fret. We're eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to work with you at IMEX 2024. Get ready for an exciting journey with Exhibits Studio!