Continued evidence of the rebound in corporate use of off-site meetings and incentive travel was evident in every aisle at the fifth IMEX America trade show in Las Vegas in October. IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom announced that, in every important facet, the show achieved new records. A total of 3,100 companies representing 150 countries exhibited, including 80 new booths and 56 expanded booths, while the IMEX-hosted buyer program brought a record 3,000 buyers from 54 countries to the show.
More than 10,600 people participated in the event. There were 66,000 business appointments of which over 57,000 were one-to-one appointments and booth presentations.
The interest in meetings and incentive travel is welcomed news for an industry that saw business drop dramatically in 2008 and struggle to revive itself for several years.
IMEX America and its European counterpart, IMEX Frankfurt, continue to build on a valuable educational component that provides valuable insights suited for both professional meeting planners and corporate executives who plan their events internally. Topics covered in this year’s educational sessions ranged from leveraging technology during events to designing healthier meetings for participants. (The show’s new wellness initiative, “Be Well at IMEX,” included a meditation room and the first IMEX run Las Vegas, inspired by Rio de Janeiro in advance of its hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics.)
At the International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) booth, Marsha Flanagan, vice president of learning experiences, revealed exhibition and events education trends. With the amount of money spent per employee on education increasing (according to the Association for Talent & Development), Marsha shared her thoughts on how meeting planners can provide cutting-edge education, beginning with researching the target market and “identifying the education gaps.” She ran through the options for session formats for education both inside and outside the event, outlining how planners can move beyond the traditional classroom setting towards informal and interactive formats. Martha’s tips included the use of technology, games, exercise, outdoor locations and set design.
Greg McCormack, director of national sales at T3 Expo, who attended Flanagan’s session, stated, “Education is increasingly about sharing information rather than being talked at. People want to be part of a community and get together to network and learn.”
Looking ahead, IMEX Frankfurt 2016 is scheduled for April 19-21 at Messe Frankfurt. IMEX America 2016 is set for Oct. 18-20.
Nothing kicks off the last day of a trade show like a 5K. IMEX America participants were invited to run the Las Vegas Strip before the show opened. Below, the show’s educational component includes “campfire” sessions on the show floor.
