Organisers
of the meetings industry trade show IMEX America have hailed the recruitment of
3,000 buyers as a ‘confidence-boosting’ sign of recovery.
This year’s
show, taking place October 10 – 13 at Mandalay Bay, in Las Vegas, will be one
of the largest editions since its launch in 2011, according to IMEX Group.
More than 3,000
exhibitors have also signed up for the bellwether event, which will give a detailed
picture of business volumes and pipelines in 2023 and beyond.
New North American
exhibitors means this year’s USA section will be the largest ever, with Boston,
Detroit, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, and San Diego in show.
Global
destinations from across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East make a
significant return to the show, many having been unable to attend in 2021.
They include
Abu Dhabi, Australia, Bahamas, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Dubai,
Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Switzerland, Turkey, and New Zealand.
Ras Al
Khaimah, in the UAE, is among the destinations exhibiting for the first time.
The show’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 – offer sessions with practical insights and
techniques to enhance professional relationships and – ultimately – boost
business recovery. The free programme includes more than 100
sessions.
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. If our numbers are
anything to go by, then despite strong macro pressures, including inflation and
talent shortages, the bounce-back could be even stronger and more robust than
forecasts predict.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
