IMEX America Gets Underway in Las Vegas

Buyer Valeria Serrano, from CTA Event design and DMC in Mexico, sums up the joy and excitement felt at IMEX America’s pre-show day of learning, Smart Monday, powered by MPI. 

“It’s like a reunion of old friends”, she continues. “I’m reconnecting with my industry friends and have many meetings scheduled over the next few days.”

Buyer Donna Rogers, from Solus Sustainable Hydration in California, agrees. “I’ve already filled my boss’s calendar with face-to-face meetings and networking events!”

The power of the live, in person experience resonated loud and clear with many as hosted buyer Shelby Green, from Enterprise Events Group in California, explains: “I’m so excited to see people again – and happy not to be on another video call!”

Smart Monday, powered by MPI, held on Monday November 8, was a dedicated day of pre-show learning before IMEX America which runs from Tuesday Nov. 9 to Thursday Nov. 11 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.

The day launched with a keynote by Dr Shimi Kang, an award-winning Harvard-trained medical doctor, researcher, and neuroscience expert. In her session Navigating opposing realities: 21st century stress and innovation, Shimi highlighted how event professionals understand the fundamental link between face-to-face experiences and mental health.

The power of nature to boost wellbeing and improve the event experience was the focus of Nature of space – An ecosystem for event success. Janet Sperstad, Faculty Director at Madison College, delivered a deep dive into her recently released “Nature of space” IMEX whitepaper. 

She offered guidance on how to deliver live event experiences that ‘quench the thirst for personal connections and community’.  Her research details ways of adapting nature’s best lessons to create a successful event, such as the use of lighting, space, and environmental features to inspire innovation.

Event technology figures highly on the agenda for many meeting planners and was explored in sessions including EventMB Event Innovation Lab™. The event planning masterclass, aimed at corporate and agency planners, offered a practical approach to the planning, marketing and delivery of events. The interactive session used case studies and the exchange of best practices to share new content relevant to the hybrid world of events and technology-rich event planning.

IMEX America is the first international event to take place after the reopening of the health border in the United States yesterday. The convention will be a cross-section of the US MICE segment. 

The organization has confirmed the participation of more than 2,200 exhibiting companies, including destinations, venues, hotel groups and technology providers. During the three intense business days, they will be able to meet with the more than 3,000 global buyers who are registered to attend.

The Tech Hub will be one of the largest in history, showcasing a wide range of technology companies and reflecting how quickly it has evolved. Companies include Aventri, Bravura Technologies, Cvent, EventsAir, Fielddrive BV, Hopin, MeetingPlay, RainFocus, and Swapcard.

IMEX America this year opens a new headquarters, the 2021 edition is held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The organization has thus been able to introduce some unique features that take advantage of the attractions of the complex and enhance the experience for attendees.