4 Stand-Out Features to Look for at IMEX America 2018
July 31, 2018
Experiential innovations, learnings, industry trends and new exhibitors will be on tap at IMEX America, the annual expo for incentive travel, meetings and events set for Oct. 16-18 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian| The Palazzo in Las Vegas.
“With an expanded show floor, new exhibitors and numerous networking events, the opportunities to do business at IMEX America are second-to-none this year,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.
She continued, “As always, we’re committed to putting on a great show – one that ignites fresh thinking, explores new trends and encourages people to connect and do business easily. In a fast-changing world, we believe that coming together in the same place to see, hear and talk commerce – and to understand the wider forces shaping our industry – is fundamental to business success.”
Here are four expanded and experiential features to keep an eye out for at this year’s show:
- Memorable Masterclass
Following an enthusiastic response to their Learning Labs at IMEX in Frankfurt, C2 International, a B2B events company, will be presenting a suite of different Learning Labs at IMEX America, along with a Thursday morning, open-to-all, Masterclass on the show floor. C2’s new partnership with IMEX is expected to bring a healthy dose of creativity and excitement to the show, according to IMEX officials.
- More Exhibitors and Global Business Opportunities
With more than 3,300 destinations, venues and suppliers from more than 130 countries under one roof at the Sands, driving business success remains the ultimate goal of IMEX America.
The show has moved into a larger hall to accommodate new and expanded exhibitors, including Meet New York; Malta Tourism Authority; Nobu Hotels, Pacifica Hotels and Visit Dallas.
Many exhibitors are increasing the size of their booths including Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau; DMI Hotels; Croatian National Tourist Board; Mexico; Royal Caribbean International and Bermuda Tourism Authority, which have all doubled their presence.
- Powerful and Personalized Education
In line with yearly tradition, the show officially kicks off on Oct. 15 with Smart Monday – a full day of complimentary, cutting-edge professional development, powered by MPI.
Additionally, an Association Leadership Forum, created by ASAE exclusively for association leaders and an Executive Meeting Forum dedicated to senior corporate executives with a focus on SMM program management, procurement leadership or meetings management will also be available on Smart Monday.
Keeping in line with its mission to “educate, innovate and help all its clients to make powerful connections with the right people” IMEX will present easy-access professional development each day of the event, according to show officials.
The Inspiration Hub, situated on the showfloor, will be the central point of focus for hundreds of sessions on trending industry topics including security, sustainability, creativity, innovation, technology, experiential events and legacy – IMEX’s Talking Point for 2018.
- Recognizing Personal Impact and Legacy
Various aspects of legacy will be covered throughout the program, including political, personal, environmental, CSR and social impact/knowledge legacy – all designed to help planners produce more engaging, topical events with longer-lasting positive outcomes.
Following positive feedback, a “Legacy Wall” launched at IMEX in Frankfurt will also premiere at IMEX America, showcasing heart-warming and inspiring stories and case studies from exhibitors, partners and IMEX staff.
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Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.
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