IMEX America 2018 opens in Las Vegas on Tuesday, October 16, highlighting destinations, venues, hotels, technology specialists and service suppliers from 150 countries. The more than 3,500 exhibitors will set a new milestone for IMEX America, making it the largest ever in the history of the event.
A growing demand from new and existing exhibitors for more space resulted in 81 larger-sized booths—28 percent of returning exhibitors—and more than 60 new exhibitor booths.
Smart Monday Continues to Provide Educational Offerings
Smart Monday, on Monday, October 15, brought around 1,000 people together for a day focused on learning. This year, the MPI-driven program, features the MPI Carnival and the Six Star Innovation & Experience Lab adding live experiential activities alongside the extensive MPI education program.
The Association Leadership Forum created by ASAE, the Executive Meetings Forum, and the SITE Young Leaders Conference also brought audiences to IMEX America early while the Shamrock Invitational Golf Classic, Association Evening and Site Nite North America are the first of the week’s networking activities.
Legacy, a theme represented in many activities throughout the show, was the topic for the first of the daily MPI keynotes. Julius Solaris, editor of Event MB, shared industry revelations in a presentation titled “Legacy; the power of events,” based on an extensive IMEX research report produced by Event MB.
The legacy theme continued through Monday’s education sessions and the Future Leaders Forum. Everyone at the show was encourage to recycle, to be conscious of sustainability and to contribute their materials and time at the Giving Back Booth. A new Legacy Wall was also on display, which showcased heart-warming and inspiring stories and case studies from exhibitors, partners and IMEX staff.
The Live Zone Offers Hands-On Experiences
At the Live Zone, supported by Michael Cerbelli’s Hot List, interactive activities include giant puppets, a VR zipline, digital caricatures and living walls. IMEX Group’s creative partner C2 International will be bringing its Cloud Lab, one of its suite of several Learning Labs. There will also be the chance to test-drive some of the latest ground-breaking ideas in event technology at the new Tech Zone.
There are over 200 education sessions at the Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events. The 10-track education program features hot topics for every need and level of experience, covering security, sustainability, creativity, innovation, technology, experiential events and legacy.
Meditation sessions to help everyone unwind are available and led by Lee Papa of Mindful Makeovers supported by Imprint Events Group, at the Be Well Lounge, sponsored by Hilton.
The new Caesars Forum Walking Challenge by Heka Health, to see who walks the most steps each day and the IMEXrun, sponsored by GES, Hilton, LVCVA, Simpleview, and Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau, on Wednesday morning, aim to provide innovative ways to look after the body.
The many co-located events throughout the week including MPI Foundation Rendezvous and the EIC Hall of Leaders and Pacesetter Awards will bring hundreds of people together to enjoy themselves while raising money for good causes that relate to the meetings industry, tourism industry and beyond.
“As we head into our 8th IMEX America, we’re excited by the growth in the show and the way that the industry continues to make IMEX America such a key part of their year,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group. “We’re looking forward to an exceptionally busy and productive week with a record number of exhibitors and buyers due to be here doing business, networking and fundraising for the major industry foundations.
"Yet again, our partners here in Las Vegas have welcomed IMEX America and the industry with open arms and hearts and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support," she added.
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