Largest Ever IMEX America Kicks Off in Las Vegas

October 16, 2018

Today is opening day for IMEX America 2018, the country’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. Held annually at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, IMEX America runs Oct. 16-18.

Smart Monday, the MPI-powered free educational day immediately prior to the main IMEX activities, broke attendance records yesterday, and keeping in line with the industry predictions for an event size increase, IMEX America’s showfloor will be its largest yet with more than 3,500 exhibitors representing 150 countries. 

Twenty-eight percent of returning exhibitors opted for larger booths this year and more than 60 new exhibitors, including Meet New York, Malta Tourism Authority, Morocco National Tourist Office, Nobu Hotels, River City Venues at Mardi Gras World, Visit Dallas and Pacifica Hotels, are joining the show’s bustling expo, according to IMEX officials.

“As we head into our 8thIMEX America, we’re excited by the growth in the show and the way that the industry continues to make IMEX America such a key part of their year,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.  

She continued, “We’re looking forward to an exceptionally busy and productive week with a record number of exhibitors and buyers due to be here doing business, networking and fundraising for the major industry foundations.”  

Business and brokering business connections remains the primary focus of IMEX. Buyers will find a wide variety of destinations, venues, hotels, technology specialists and service suppliers, and a large number have pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings through the IMEX meetings tool. 

For those seeking educational content, the Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events, will offer more than 200 breakout sessions throughout the duration of the event. The 10-track education program includes a wide range of topics designed to appeal to every level of experience and interest, including security, sustainability, creativity, innovation and technology.

Live and experiential event design will also be a primary focus of the show. The Live Zone, supported by Michael Cerbelli’s Hot List, will include such diverse entertainment as giant puppets, a VR zipline, digital caricatures and living walls. 

C2 International’s Cloud Lab will help participants navigate uncertainty by finding ways to deal with chaos in both professional and personal environments. There will also be the chance to “test-drive” some of the latest ground-breaking ideas in event technology at the new Tech Zone.

In the Be Well Lounge, IMEX America will offer meditation sessions to help everyone unwind, but the physical health of attendees certainly won’t be neglected. The new Caesars Forum Walking Challenge by Heka Health encourages attendees to track their steps to see who walks the most each day, while the Wednesday morning 5k IMEXrun is a guaranteed way to boost one’s energy before the busy show day starts. 

Co-sponsored events throughout the week, including MPI Foundation Rendezvous, the EIC Hall of Leaders and Pacesetter Awards, will bring hundreds of people together to raise money for causes that benefit the industry.

With IMEX, Las Vegas continues to uphold its reputation as one of the top meeting and event destinations worldwide, Bauer said.    

“Yet again, our partners here in Las Vegas have welcomed IMEX America and the industry with open arms and hearts, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support,” she added.

 

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Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.  Remodeled Guest Rooms MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites. Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation. Reinvented Luxury Experiences The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes. New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May. Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.  A “New Wave  for Mandalay Bay A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay. Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center  is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options. From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.