Tuesday, Oct. 8 was the grand opening of IMEX America 2024, with a jaw-dropping trade show, unexpected meetups with good friends and exciting announcement after exciting announcement.
Giving Back
First things first: our friends in the South experienced devastating effects from Hurricane Helene, and less than a week later., Hurricane Milton, now a category 5 storm, is expected to hit Florida on Wednesday.
Kate Patay, CPCE, chief strategy officer of Patay Consulting and a chairwoman of SEARCH Foundation, took the stage at the inspiration hub to interview a few select and quite outstanding folks about their journeys of rebuilding following disaster.
She shared with the audience that the SEARCH Foundation team has worked painstakingly to find the most relevant, accurate resources for you to help. If you have the capacity to help those affected and support relief efforts, visit SEARCH Foundation’s Hurricane Helene Resources page.
The AI Future in Action
A total of 115 panels played out over the course of the day, including one moderated by Smart Meetings Vice President JT Long titled “Unlock the Future: AI’s Impact on the Event Industry.” Experts included Mykyta Fastovets, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at ExpoPlatform; Veemal Gungadin, CEO of Gevme, the architect of Spark, an AI-driven productivity tool built in collaboration with PCMA and Snapsight, an insights platform that transforms vast amounts of event data into strategic and actionable intelligence, allowing organizations to make informed decisions for future growth; and Becca Hignett, head of delivery and optimization at IMEX.
Read More: Chantal Sturk-Nadeau Takes Lead at Spark
They explored AI’s progression from chatbots to sophisticated tools that can analyze feedback data, create engaging content, and facilitate matchmaking at events like IMEX. It can and does condense panel discussions into actionable takeaways that are featured on the IMEX app once a session has ended. This is what AI had to say about the conversation. The panel addressed concerns about AI replacing human jobs, emphasizing AI as a helper that augments rather than replaces human work. They also presented case studies, such as ASAE using AI to summarize event sessions into a white paper, and IMEX leveraging AI for language translation.”
Read More: A new white paper on the state of generative AI in the meetings and events industry
Meetings Make a Difference
In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Destinations International announced the official launch of its case study on Tampa Bay following Destinations International Annual Convention 2024 in Tampa Bay, along with its accompanying toolkit for destinations all over the world to use as a resource for creating positive impact through meetings and events.
The toolkit outlines seven steps:
- Identify the problem, and develop stakeholder engagement strategy.
- Develop the key stakeholder working group.
- Develop the narrative, and engage your board.
- Identify community organizations and establish vendor and supplier relationships.
- Create impact through legacy initiatives.
- Contribute to the communications plan.
- Measure and share impact.
To learn more, visit destinationsinternational.org/tampa-case-study.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) is the umbrella organization that hosts the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative (NZCE). “Our raison 
d’être is to drive, in our sector, the value of sustainability in the business events industry,” said James Rees, president of JMIC. Along with Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO International Association of Professional Congress Organisers) Rees explained NZCE’s three core pillars: the iceberg (a repository of case studies that show the real impact business and professional events bring to society); the global manifesto (to explain the value of the meetings and events industry to the wider world); and applying the UN SDGS (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals) to the meetings and events industry.
“Whether or not you are a signatory or supporter [of NZCE],” says Rees, “it is a free of charge initiative where the process progresses and documentation is there for the entire industry to utilize in their journey towards net zero.”
Come December 2024, all signatories of NZCE pledge are asked to submit their reports. By the end of 2026, they say, they hope to see over 1,000 signatories. “I think for Martin and I, and the rest of the board, it continues to be a fascinating honor and privilege to be able to do this work with our fellow professionals.”
Hotel and Destination Updates You Need to Know
Best in Five Centuries for Puerto Rico
The momentum currently under way in Puerto Rico is historic and unprecedented with four years of improving visitation and convention activity, according to Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. More people are now employed in the meetings industry than in the 500-year history of the destination.
Caesars for Good
Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos is facilitating donations through ticket redemption kiosks and point-of-sale systems at both properties in Cherokee 
and Murphy, NC benefiting the United Way of Haywood County. To kick start donation efforts, Caesars Entertainment contributed $20,000 to the cause. The property has also partnered with World Central Kitchen to provide meals for those displaced by Hurricane Helene.
Harrah’s team members are actively involved in meal preparations and distributions in addition to hosting separate donation drives for non-perishable food, clothing, water and more.
The Cherokee Tower has also been serving as the command headquarters for multiple FEMA Search & Rescue teams providing essential services and support to the region.
Opening Month in Greater Palm Springs
It has been a busy month for Coachella Valley. A series of openings and renovations have highlighted the fresh meetings infrastructure less than two hours from Los Angeles.
La Quinta Resort & Club announced it is approaches its centennial year with a renovation scheduled for completion in December. A renewed lobby, bathroom modernization and a chic new main pool experience are on the agenda.
The Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas has undergone a $64 million renovation and rebranding which includes reimagined rooms, two new dining concepts: Carmocha and Tia Carmen, and a pool complex with extended cabana offerings. The renovated accommodations also include spacious luxury villas that will debut in November.
The Riviera Resort and Spa Palm Springs is making a return, transitioning from its previous identity as Margaritaville. The transition will begin in October 2024, with a complete renovation and rebranding expected by mid-2026.
The Thompson Palm Springs opened this month with 168-rooms, midcentury modern design and a custom art collection. Overlooking downtown Palm Springs are two skyline pools, each accompanied by an adjacent, full-service bar with menus of al fresco bites and craft cocktails.
Miami Updated
Miami just keeps making a good thing better. David Whitaker, president and CEO of Greater Miami and Miami Beaches, shared two examples.
Fontainebleau Miami will soon open a 50,000 sq. ft. conference center adjacent to the iconic resort with an air bridge connector. “That’s a game-changer for them and for us because it adds another layer of meeting space options.
An 800-room Grand Hyatt convention hotel is a long-term plan to expand options for groups in the area.
Visit Baltimore
Al Hutchinson, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore, got real with Smart Meeting about his passion for his city, saying, “Even though Baltimore is a large city, it’s also a small town. We want folks to really touch the environment and feel all of what Baltimore has to offer.”
With a razor-sharp focus on the convention and meetings industry, Visit Baltimore is working on hearing—and delivering—what meeting planners are asking for. “We’re picking their brains about the opportunities they’re seeing around the country that is appealing to them, and at the end of the day, wherever we land, our meetings and convention community is going to see their recommendations reflected,” he says.
As Baltimore undergoes numerous projects, including a massive renovation of its convention center and its Inner Harbor Development, it calls on planners to focus on the community: over 200 neighborhoods, each with their own unique atmosphere. “We love our downtown,” Hutchinson says, “and we also want [business event visitors] to experience the culture of all our neighborhoods.” That’s why they’ve incorporated their “mobile visitors’ center” into the IMEX floor, he explains. He says, “We call it, ‘Smalltimore,’” with a laugh.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Chris Sariego, senior managing director and COO of hospitality firm Liongrove, shared exciting updates about two Puerto Rico properties to knock it out of the ballpark when it comes to incentive travel.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, besides offering activities from horseback riding through the only tropical rainforest in the United States to playing the day away across two 18-hole championship golf courses, has undergone an extensive renovation. It offers a state-of-the-art oceanfront conference center with 48,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and another 100,000 sq. ft. in that gorgeous Puerto Rican outdoors. And, we can’t forget to mention its bioluminescent bay.
The more boutique style Wyndham Palmas offers 107 guest rooms, four culinary experiences, two more championship golf courses and 14,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space in Puerto Rico’s southeast.
New York, New York… Sonesta Style
NYC is a busy place. In the city where business gets done (all day, every day) your attendees want a place to relax. That’s where Sonesta comes in, explains Amy Beck, senior account director, group sales, at Sonesta Hotels.
At the Benjamin Royal Sonesta, which just wrapped up phase one of a multi-million dollar renovation, there are 209 guest rooms—most of which are suites. With a focus on wellness for the whole self, from fitness programming to a “pillow menu” where visitors can select (yes, ahead of their visit!) the perfect pillow for the perfect night’s sleep, there’s not much you can ask for to make it a more restful experience for your attendees, in the city they seem to say never sleeps. Your attendees certainly will—and well, too!
And that’s not to mention the 2,200 sq. ft. of some seriously pretty meeting space.
Wellness at IMEX with David T. Stevens
The opening of the event set the tone for an inclusive and reflective experience, with a multi-faith ceremony led by Reverend Maya. Her words of unity and the mindful moment offered a sense of grounding for all attendees, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds to participate in a shared space of respect and contemplation. This ceremony was a gentle reminder of the importance of incorporating spirituality and mindfulness into our fast-paced lives, particularly in the context of busy events.
As attendees began to explore the show floor, they were greeted by a variety of wellness activations scattered across multiple booths. Among the standout exhibitors was CAESARS, which delivered a delightful combination of health-conscious treats and sensory experiences. Their booth featured dark chocolate paired with berries, offering a guilt-free snack packed with antioxidants and flavor. Alongside this, they provided lavender essential oil samples, giving attendees a chance to unwind with calming aromatherapy amidst the hustle of the event. For those looking to make a bolder statement, CAESARS also offered stylish septum rings, adding a playful yet edgy twist to their wellness offerings. But perhaps the biggest draw at their booth was the only true Mocktail on the show floor, a refreshing and carefully crafted non-alcoholic beverage that provided a taste of indulgence without the after-effects of alcohol—a hit among participants.
Another session that generated significant buzz was the biohacking workshop, which drew a large
and engaged crowd. This session delved into the science of optimizing human performance through diet, technology, and lifestyle modifications. Attendees were eager to learn about how small changes, from intermittent fasting to the latest wearable tech, could enhance their health and productivity. The interactive nature of the session, coupled with the expert insights shared, made it one of the must-attend experiences of the event.
A key theme that echoed across the event was the importance of mental well-being. The Event Minds Matter initiative spurred conversation throughout the show floor, with many attendees sharing their perspectives on psychological safety. This initiative aimed to foster open dialogues about mental health in the events industry, encouraging participants to think about how they can create environments where people feel safe, supported, and valued. Attendees expressed a range of insights, from the need for clearer communication in high-stress situations to the value of offering quiet spaces and mental health resources at events. This initiative served as a powerful reminder that the well-being of both staff and attendees is just as important as the success of the event itself.
In a fun and surprising twist, the city of Omaha’s booth became a haven for relaxation, offering complimentary massages to attendees. This unexpected wellness treat was a hit, with many participants taking a break from the bustling show floor to indulge in a few moments of peace and pampering.
Just outside the show floor, Google XI’s resilience area stood as an oasis of calm. Intentionally located away from the busier parts of the event, this space provided a much-needed retreat for those seeking a moment of quiet reflection. The soothing atmosphere, combined with thoughtfully designed seating and soft lighting, created a perfect environment for attendees to recharge both mentally and physically.
Rounding out the wellness offerings were the newly released five- and ten-minute conference-focused meditations from Olympian Meeting. These short, guided sessions were designed to fit into even the busiest schedules, offering a quick but effective way for attendees to reset and refocus during the event. These meditations provided a moment of mindfulness in an otherwise fast-paced environment, helping attendees to center themselves and maintain their energy throughout the day.
In all, the event successfully wove together a wide variety of wellness experiences, from physical activations to mental health conversations, making it a truly holistic and rejuvenating experience for all who attended.
Notes from an IMEX First-Timer
Last night, I kicked off IMEX America 2024 with a visit to SITE Night. We all know that Smart Meetings loves a good Skyworx drone show (and it was better than good). What I did not know was that it would be the first night I ever had to take off my heels at a professional event, just for a moment, hiding in the corner so nobody saw. Oh my gosh, my feet hurt! When people say that you should wear comfortable shoes to these events… Trust their word.
The next morning, once at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, I was certainly occupied, rushing between meetings, the press center and the inspiration hub. There’s so much to see and do. I’d liken it to *Meetings Industry Disneyland,* if you will.
At first, it felt like a maze. I was a little overwhelmed. Only a little!
Who am I kidding. If you’re at IMEX, you’ve been a first timer at some point.
I’ve been to trade shows before, but nothing as big as this one.
And, as with any massive, enormous, dizzying trade show floor, I started to gain a sense of where I was, run into friends I’ve made along the way, and, honestly? I had a pretty spectacular time. Can’t wait to see you on the floor tomorrow.
With love,
Your IMEX America 2024 first-timer: Sara
Read More: Smart Monday Kicks off IMEX America 2024 in Las Vegas
