IMEX America 2019 Sets New Appointment Record
September 16, 2019
If you were flying home from Las Vegas last week, there’s a good chance you were seated next to a fellow IMEX attendee. This year’s IMEX America, held at Sands Expo and Convention Center from Sept. 10-12, drew an estimated 14,000 attendees and generated an economic impact of more than $20 million, according to show officials.
Held in Las Vegas for nine years now, IMEX included more than 3,500 exhibitors from 150 countries on the trade showfloor. IMEX Group, which organizes the show, estimates a total of 76,000 individual and group appointments took place over the three-day event. That marks a 3-percent increase in appointments over last year.
“Every year we strive to be our own competition, to push ourselves to deliver richer experiences, better education and, of course, a strong business pipeline for our exhibitors,” said Ray Bloom, IMEX Group chairman.
He continued, “Our partners keep rising to the occasion, too. We’ve seen some spectacular booths and activations this year… Their level of investment and commitment to business is remarkable.”
As with any trade show that draws travel professionals, IMEX allowed its host city of Las Vegas the chance to show off its best assets. The LVCVA exhibited in a prominent booth on the trade showfloor alongside 28 of its local partners and conducted more than 140 meetings and group presentations.
“It’s been incredible to see IMEX America’s growth over the last nine years, and it’s an honor for Las Vegas to serve as the home of this leading event as both brands continue to evolve and make impactful changes that shape our industry,” said John Schreiber, LVCVA’s vice president of business sales.
Many announcements were made at IMEX, which we will be reporting on in the days and weeks to come. Among them: the launch of Event Industry Council’s new Center for Sustainable Events, and the announcement that old APEX standards will be replaced with new EIC standards.
In addition, there was a major announcement of the event industry’s involvement in accelerating the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as talk around how the industry can take action on other social justice issues such as sexual harassment and human trafficking.
The theme of diversity and inclusion also ran strong throughout the event, including several sessions held on Smart Monday titled, “She Means Business,” focused on the advancement of women in the industry on issues such as equal pay.
Next year's IMEX America will take place Sept. 15-17 in Las Vegas.
Partner Voices
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At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & 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 offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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