LAS VEGAS
The fifth edition of IMEX America, held Oct. 13-15 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center set a number of records for the North American version of the event.
According to IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom, the show set new marks in the following areas: more than 10,600 attendees; a total of 3,100 companies from 150 countries exhibited, including 80 new booths; 60,000 business appointments, with 57,000 one-on-one buyer-supplier meetings; and just under 3,000 hosted buyers.
Bloom was particularly proud that a little more than half of the hosted buyers turned in pre-event profiles—a sort of “shortened RFP,” according to Bloom.
“The key is that hosted buyers are making so many appointments before the show,” he said. “It shows the seriousness of the buyers that over 50 percent of hosted buyers sent in [profiles] in advance, which means the buyers are serious and that business is being conducted on the show floor.”
The show’s success was reflected in an exhibit hall that was filled to capacity at Sands Expo and Convention Center, sparking IMEX Group to contemplate an expansion of the exhibit floor size starting at its 2018 event.
IMEX America’s Executive Forum attracted more than 40 leading buyers from the corporate sector, including companies such as Merck, Cisco Systems and Wells Fargo, representing more than $3 billion in annual meeting budget buying power.
The event’s Smart Monday educational day, operated by MPI, also grew this year, with 900 people attending the event, which offered 30 educational sessions. Highlights of Smart Monday included a Play Room, which sparked the creativity of participants through a variety of whimsical activities, and a meditation area complete with calming décor and guided meditations in its back room.
Attendance at the MPI Foundation’s Rendezvous night was up more than 25 percent at this year’s event, which raised $335,000 for the Foundation.
Another interesting aspect of this year’s IMEX America is that it was held during the Democratic debates, taking place nearby at Wynn Las Vegas. Next year’s IMEX America, held Oct. 18-20 at the Sands, will occur during a presidential debate, also in Las Vegas.
“They timed it to coincide—didn’t you know that?” Bloom joked.
