Clearly, the global “Meetings Mean Business” message is getting out. IMEX America 2015, held in October at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, was a record-setting showcase of face-to-face interaction.
According to IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom, new benchmarks included 10,600-plus attendees; 3,100 exhibiting companies from 150 countries, including 80 new booths; 60,000 business appointments, with 57,000 one-on-one buyer-supplier meetings; and just under 3,000 hosted buyers.
Like its heavyweight tradeshow counterparts, IMEX Group is thinking expansively. Having filled Sands to capacity, the show is reportedly considering expanding floor size starting in 2018.
The event mirrors Las Vegas’ own constantly evolving appeal.
“The continued success of IMEX America is a fantastic example of the strength of two great brands joining together,” says Chris Meyer, vice president of global business sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “IMEX is the largest tradeshow in the country for the incentive travel, meetings and events industry, and Las Vegas is the No. 1 tradeshow destination in North America for the past 21 consecutive years,” Meyer continues. “It’s a winning combination that continues to demonstrate that Las Vegas is a serious place to do business.”
Great for the Vegas economy—the three-day show generated more than $8.5 million in direct visitor spending—hosting IMEX also showcases Vegas’ hosting prowess.
“Seeing Las Vegas is selling Las Vegas,” Meyer says. “It’s critical for us to keep Las Vegas top of mind for meeting planners and travel buyers, particularly international buyers, who represent a key growth market for us.”
Reflecting the mood of the IMEX show floor, Meyer is bullish on the future.
“It’s been exciting to see IMEX America’s growth over the past five years, especially with international attendees,” he says. “Always evolving, Las Vegas presently has more than $7.2 billion invested over the next few years to help keep the destination fresh and exciting. This continued growth illustrates that Las Vegas is a global business center and we are encouraged.”
