Record showing at IMEX America 2023

The 12th edition of IMEX America which ran from 17-19 October 2023 at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, saw a 20% boost in exhibitor space and a 9% rise in the number of booths to 360, making it the largest in its history.

Beginning with Smart Monday, organised by MPI on October 16, the event saw over 70,000 meetings taking place between more than 4,000 buyers and 3,400 exhibiting companies.

Almost half of all exhibiting companies increased their booth sizes and every sector of the market has grown, the majority by double-digits. Asia Pacific and Africa dominated in terms of increased floor space by country or region.

Morocco doubled in size, while Ho Chi Minh was there for the first time, bringing partners. The Japan and Hong Kong Tourism Board booths were at least twice as big as before.

Meanwhile, US and Canadian exhibitors expanded 19% from 2022 and the hotel sector saw a 23% expansion, including increases by Hilton and IHG.

Among the 65 new booths for 2023 were Mexican Caribbean, Santa Clara (California), Greenville (South Carolina), and Jio World Convention Centre (India).

IMEX Group CEO, Carina Bauer: “In a world experiencing so much turmoil, it’s incumbent upon us to focus on the underlying impact of our industry – bringing people together for deeper human connections and mutual benefit. We’ll keep that front of mind as we do business here this week.”

Being vocal

Prior to the show on 12 October, IMEX chairman, Ray Bloom, and Bauer issued a statement, stating: “We’re horrified by the killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas terrorists for which there is absolutely no justification and we, at IMEX, condemn these terrorist acts in the strongest possible terms.

“As an industry and in society as a whole, only a zero-tolerance approach to acts of terrorism, antisemitism, racism and hate of any kind can be acceptable. Our hearts go out to the people of Israel and the entire region who have been impacted by these senseless acts. As we look towards our global industry coming together at IMEX America next week, we will miss our colleagues from Israel who’ve been directly impacted by these events.”

“And, we’re reminded too, that the business events industry is one that is predicated on peace, inclusion and mutual respect. We believe that bringing people together and building better human connections is the only way to foster understanding and empathy in the world and remind ourselves of our duty to drive positive change through the work we all do.” A minute’s silence was observed during IMEX America.

Innovation and inclusivity

· The Inspiration Hub, sponsored by WebEx, featured a Wellbeing Wheel, the Google Xi CoLaboratory and a dedicated IMEX|EIC People and Planet Theater. Encore offered fireside chats and their ‘Break Free’ Immersive Theater.

· The Hub was redesigned with sustainability and easier traffic flow in mind. It had a bare floor with different coloured carpet ‘dots’ to delineate learning zones and activations. New design features made it more accessible for people in wheelchairs and to enhance the experience for those who are neurodivergent.

· There were more restaurants and snack bars, free water refill stations, seating and rest areas and a dedicated Quiet Space Lounge and a Resilience Room.

· Promoting positive cultural shifts resonated in education sessions at IMEX America’s Smart Monday, where attendees immersed themselves in the latest thinking and to have in-depth discussions including exploring ways to meet diverse needs through their conversations with suppliers. Discussions included sustainability, healthy eating, and menu customisation for diverse markets, and avoiding wasteful buffets.