IMEX America has announced that 3,000 global buyers and 3,000+ exhibiting companies have confirmed attendance at the 2022 event in Las Vegas, making it one of the show’s largest editions since its 2011 launch.
According to the IMEX Group, the number of expected attendees and exhibitors at the 10 – 13 October event suggests confidence in the bounce-back for the global meetings, incentive travel and business events industry.
The show also states that thousands of appointments at the event have already been booked by buyers to meet global suppliers.
Exhibitors
New North American exhibitors will be in attendance alongside previous attendees, resulting in 2022’s USA section of the show being its largest so far.
Boston, Detroit, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia and San Diego are among the line-ups. Boston will reveal some new direct flights to international cities and upcoming hotel developments. While MGM will give an update on the remodelling of its convention centre.
Global destinations from across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East will also be returning to the show, many having been unable to attend in 2021. These include Abu Dhabi, Australia, Bahamas, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Dubai, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Switzerland, Turkey and New Zealand.
Ras Al Khaimah is among the destinations exhibiting for the first time.
North and South America are strongly represented with Brazil, Buenos Aires, Canada, Costa Rica and Ecuador among others. Panama will announce details of its new convention centre, hotel openings and forthcoming cruise terminal.
Major hotel groups will be present including Accor, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International.
Attendees will see a wide range of technology providers offering event platforms, chatbots, analytics and apps among other solutions. These include Bizzabo, Cvent, EventMobi, ExpoPlatform, Grip, MeetingPlay + Aventri + eventcore, Eventsforce, Swapcard and Vfairs.
Additionally, the show’s Tech Hub will be the focal point for upcoming start-ups in the sector.
Learning
IMEX America’s learning program has also been simplified and redesigned to complement and enhance show floor meetings.
Under the theme ‘Pathways to Clarity’, four streamlined tracks - Respect for People and Planet; Future Self; Innovation and Creativity; Event Planner Toolkit – will offer sessions with insights and techniques to enhance professional relationships and boost business recovery.
The free program will feature over 100 sessions as part of IMEX’s ongoing commitment to industry advancement.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “Our 2021 come-back show was invested with an air of sheer celebration and excitement as the global industry reunited. This year, the business fundamentals are what stand out.”
“Despite strong macro pressures, including inflation and talent shortages, the bounce-back could be even stronger and more robust than forecasts predict.”
IMEX America 2022 takes place at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and opens with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on Monday October 10, followed by the three-day trade show from October 11-13.
