IMEX America was hotter than ever this year, drawing a record 12,227 meetings and events professionals to Las Vegas Oct. 18-20 for a 14 percent increase over 2015. It’s unquestionably a place to see and be seen, as Sands Expo Center transformed into a celebration of all things meetings and events, from one-on-one appointments between planners and suppliers to showcasing the newest trends in trade show technology.
The hosted buyers program has become a very popular way to get destinations, hotels and resorts, and products in front of meeting planners. This year, IMEX America saw a 6 percent increase in the number of hosted buyers, with 3,216 from 60 countries. The United States and Canada were well represented, accounting for 73 percent. But the show also drew meeting decision-makers from as far away as China, India, Australia, Japan and Russia.
There were a record 60,000 prescheduled appointments between hosted buyers and suppliers for a 5 percent increase.
The word is obviously out that IMEX America is a place to do meeting business. This year, a record 3,250 exhibiting companies participated, marking a 4.8 percent increase. There were 69 new booths and an equal number that increased exhibitions spaces for the largest IMEX America ever.
IMEX America has evolved into a truly international affair, with exhibitors coming to Las Vegas from 139 countries. There were more than 100 members of the media in attendance from 16 countries.
Smart Meetings TV was everywhere during the show, conducting insightful interviews and having some fun. To get a feel for the trade show floor, visit our Smart Meetings TV report.
To learn more about the tech that was on display during the show, check out our blog.
