IMEX America 2024 ended today with a final count of 15,500 attendees (5,500 buyers and 86,000 pre-scheduled meetings) walking through the doors at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. In addition to visiting a world of destinations, hotels and tech suppliers, attendees took in 1,600 education sessions on the show floor and another 1,600 nuggets of wisdom were delivered to those who came in a day early for Meeting Professionals International (MPI)’s Smart Monday. That is an increase of 30% over 2023’s Smart Monday, spread across 46 concurrent sessions, compared to 30 in 2023.
Expanded keynote sessions included Andre Norman who spoke on “Prison to Harvard: The Power of Belief and Self-Motivation,” Justin Wren, who shared his insights on “Purpose. Performance. Impact” and Olympia LePoint who talked about “Making New Artificial Intelligence Technology Ethical & Accurate.”
Read More: Your IMEX America Recap Day One
“Our goal is to provide a platform to inspire growth and positive scale,” said IMEX CEO Carina Bauer. She noted the number, quality and diversity of fringe events around the show. She described the dynamic as a partnership with the hosted buyer trade show as the strong heart making space for partners to create their lively activations on the show floor and beyond. The end result is a week where people choose their experience whether it is #Drymex, alcohol-free events or celebrations that go deep into the night.
A new associated experience for marketing executives was a boutique Brand Experience Summit created in partnership with InVision, LVCVA and Allegiant Stadium Private Events. Senior level marketeers gathered for conversations about how to better use events as a key marketing channel to drive brand loyalty, trust, engagement and business outcomes. “There is often a disconnect between marketing and business events and we’re aiming to close the gap,” she said.
Read More: Your IMEX America Recap: Day Two
The talking point of “Impact” came to life will continue into 2025 as IMEX worked with MGM Resorts to shrink the event’s footprint even more to maintain zero-waste status by improving waste diversion.
Explosive Las Vegas Growth
Rebecca DeLuca, vice president of destination sales with Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, pointed to the dramatic planned implosion, fireworks and drone show that demolished the Tropicana Hotel in the middle of Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning to make way for a baseball stadium on The Strip as an example of how the city is constantly reinventing itself for locals and the more than 40 million visitors who come to town each year, as many as 17% classified as business events customers. She thanked Bauer for committing that IMEX would continue to return to Las Vegas and the completely remodeled and upgraded Mandalay Bay indefinitely on behalf of 420,000 hospitality workers in the city of Las Vegas.
Read More: Smart Monday Kicks Off IMEX America
Record Charitable Contributions
Also seeing record numbers was 20-year partner MPI’s Foundation which raised more than half a million dollars this year from activations such as Rendezvous after-party on Wednesday night at Drai’s Nightclub. MPI Foundation uses the $14.4 million it has raised over the 40 years of the organization for scholarships, grants and research.
In 2025 MPI will introduce new technology tools to help chapters manage events and marketing initiatives, and launch new DEI training to ensure chapters remain inclusive and welcoming to all, according to Drew Holmgreen, MPI Chief Experience Officer.
Read More: MPI Gears Up for EMEC 2025 in Türkiye
MPI Academy continues to grow and based on insights from our community, the MPI Academy will introduce new learning opportunities and fresh subject matter experts to help our members stay competitive.
Drew Holmgreen, MPI chief experience officer, pointed to a slight increase from last year of respondents to the company’s Q3 Meetings Outlook report on trends who say they are optimistic about the outlook for business conditions and budgets for 2025. “This signals confidence in the financial health of the industry,” he said.
Read More: Continuing Education with MPI Academy
MPI released the results of its Q3 Meetings Outlook, which provides a comprehensive forecast of trends and expectations for the industry. In a slight increase from last year, 72% of respondents report an optimistic outlook for business conditions and budgets for 2025, signaling confidence in the financial health of the industry.
Additionally, 76% of respondents reported favorable projections for in-person event attendance, which highlights the continued resilience and growth of face-to-face events. Respondents reported the most balanced market that we’ve seen in a while, with a mix of 43% of respondents describing the current environment as a seller’s market, 31% as a buyer’s market and 26% as a balanced market. This shows stability in the market, which will benefit both buyers and sellers in the year ahead.
MPI World Education Congress (WEC) in St. Louis from June 18-20, is expected to draw 2,000 for education and networking. San Antonio will host WEC June 1-4, 2026.
MPI recently concluded its first-ever takeover of the EVENT in Ottawa with 300 attendees focused on the theme of “Origin Stories.”
MPI, in collaboration with VisitDetroit, launched its Workforce Development program in September 2024 with a chapter toolkit featuring a career exploration guide for local schools. As part of this effort, MPI introduced “Meetings 101” for secondary students, with certificates being delivered at three Detroit schools this fall. The program aims to inspire the next generation of professionals by educating students on career opportunities within the meetings and events industry.
Read More: Empowering Future Planners
MPI has launched two new industry association partnerships this summer, adding Society of Government Meeting Professionals and LGBT Meeting Professionals Association to its list of partners.
In addition, MPI together with the International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has relaunched the Global MICE Collaborative, delivering the all-new certificate, MICE Fundamentals: Introduction to Conference, Exhibition & Incentive Events, for its debut delivery at IMEX America Smart Monday. The certificate offers a strategic overview of all three event types for both emerging professionals and seasoned professionals who want a better understanding of the business event ecosystem.
Read More: Food Donating Laws
MPI is collaborating with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to address global food waste reduction strategies. In 2024, WWF conducted a study, Unveiling the Appetite for Change, which found that while many meeting professionals recognize food waste as a significant issue, actionable solutions remain limited. Together with venues and global clients, MPI and WWF are setting new global norms for reducing food waste through the DREAM initiative, which stands for Divert, Recover, Empower (and Educate), Adjust, and Measure.
Sustainable DC
Destination DC promoted resources that will help meeting professionals organizing events in the area be a force for good. The destination organization supports Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Sustainable DC 2.0 initiative, which has the goal of making DC the “healthiest, greenest, most livable city.”
Washington, D.C. is the first LEED-Platinum city in the world, the leading U.S. city for parks and encompasses more than 140 miles of bike lanes and paths. Meeting professionals can find a list of businesses that have satisfied all program requirements and commit to the continuous improvement of their offerings and services in ways that advance environmental protection, equity and economic development for the long term here.
Visit Lauderdale Brought the Beach to Las Vegas
Visit Lauderdale made a bold statement with eye-catching digital activations on the exterior of Sphere–the world’s largest LED screen, known as the exosphere. The larger-than-life display showcased Greater Fort Lauderdale’s beaches in dynamic color.
“Our mission is to continuously push the boundaries in the travel industry, and this is yet another way we’re solidifying our reputation for being bold and innovative,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “By bringing the beach to Las Vegas, we’re showcasing the energy and beauty of Greater Fort Lauderdale and reminding everyone that our diverse, welcoming destination offers something for every type of traveler—from family vacations to luxury escapes.”
Orlando’s Highlighted Diverse New Openings
Orange County Convention Center, which is expanding to add 60,000 square feet of meeting space and an 80,000-square-foot ballroom to the North-South building, generated $3.9 billion in direct, indirect and induced impacts over the last year, according to a new study by PFM Group Consulting. The OCCC has averaged nearly 200 events in recent years, attracting an estimated 1.5 million attendees to the market on an annual basis.
The city’s theme parks are opening major new experiences including the 2025 debut of Universal Epic Universe–an entirely new theme park–at Universal Orlando Resort. Disney Experiences recently announced the largest expansion ever at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort. In Spring 2025, SeaWorld Orlando will unveil the world’s first-of-its-kind Arctic flying theater which will have riders experience the icy region as if they were truly there.
Additionally, Disney Meetings & Events is unveiling new meeting products and resources including a creative studio at Walt Disney World Resort in early 2025 where meeting professionals can collaborate with Disney Meetings & Events experts.
LA Prepares to be Red-carpet Ready for Big Events on the Way
Preparations to host the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, Summit of the Americas, FIFA World Cup and the Super Bowl will leave an expanded meetings infrastructure according to Adam Burke, president and CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
Modernization of LAX, including the automated people mover and direct Metro service to downtown LA, should be completed within 18 to 24 months, making events at an expanded Los Angeles Convention Center more accessible. The addition of 7,500 new rooms in the last 36 months and the diverse product offerings at various price points will help expand what groups come to the city as well.
In partnership with California Meetings, LLC, the destination marketing organization for the Golden State released CaliforniaMeetings.com, a portal that showcases 55 group-focused California destinations with direct connections to each destination.
Terramar DMC Gave Prizes to IMEX Attendees to Celebrate 30 Years
DMC Network company, Terramar, commemorated three decades of delivering exceptional experiences with a champagne toast at IMEX, featuring 30 drawings, culminating in a grand prize that whisked the lucky winner away to the stunning landscapes of Los Cabos. In collaboration with Hilton Los Cabos, Revo, PezGato, and BoothEasy, Terramar unveiled a spectacular prize package. The recipient, Alexander Rapp of ACDI, was awarded a three-night getaway for two, complete with flight credits, roundtrip airport transfers, welcome amenities, daily gourmet breakfast, an exclusive agave tasting session, stylish Revo sunglasses, and an enchanting sunset jazz cruise around the iconic Arch and Land’s End.
For its part, DMC Network hosted a blinged-out bingo night at Skyfall Lounge for 500 guests. “IMEX America is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our international Network to a wide range of clients, and to thank those who make the events all of our DMC partners operate hugely successful,” said Vice President of Business Development Aoife Delaney. “Our presence at each year’s show continues to grow, with 2024 our biggest year yet.”
Notes from Wellness Consultant David T. Stevens
As the final day of IMEX unfolded, the “last day energy” on the show floor was palpable, with a variety of wellness and experiential activities guiding us through most people’s need for recovery from Rendezvous the night before.
Read More: 7 Ways to Embed Wellness in Your Meetings
Kicking off at 10:00 AM, the session on “Men’s Health: Avoiding a Public Health Crisis” brought an important discussion to the forefront. With a focus on the wellness of our male attendees, this conversation was essential in addressing the often-overlooked aspects of men’s health. Attendees engaged in a thoughtful dialogue around preventative care and lifestyle changes, which helped shine a light on the growing public health concerns affecting men globally.
At noon, a much-needed mid-day recharge came in the form of somatic breathwork with Sepideh Eivazi at the “Just Breathe” session in the Well-Being Wheel located in the Inspiration Hub. Sepideh’s guidance through mindful breathing techniques helped many attendees find a moment of stillness amidst the busy environment. The session was a perfect reminder of the power of breath in managing stress and staying grounded, something every event professional can appreciate after a whirlwind week.
At 2:00 PM, Google Xi returned with Storycraft Lab in their CoLaboratory at the Inspiration Hub. This time, they delved into the theme of “Belonging” using nature as a powerful metaphor. Through interactive exercises that incorporated noticing, play and gratitude, participants explored how nature’s rhythms could inspire a deeper sense of community. The session was insightful, leaving attendees with a greater understanding of how we can cultivate belonging in both personal and professional settings.
Read More: XI Days Inclusion Experience
For those needing a quiet moment to recenter, the Resilience Space powered by Google Xi and Hello! Destination Management, was available at Bayside B. This calm haven offered an oasis for relaxation and reflection. Nearby, a quiet space dressed by Lux Rentals added an extra layer of serenity for attendees seeking an even more intimate setting for mindfulness.
Meanwhile, the Community Table on the Well-Being Wheel became a gathering spot for heartfelt conversations, particularly around parenting, with a focus on E2 children—those with dual exceptionalities. This space offered both empathy and understanding, as attendees shared their unique parenting experiences and exchanged valuable insights on navigating life with E2 children.
At the Inspiration Hub, attendees could also participate in one-on-one life coaching sessions focusing on Ayurvedic health, stress management, emotional intelligence, and resilience. These personalized sessions provided practical advice and wellness strategies, helping attendees carry lessons from the event back into their daily lives.
For those looking to move their bodies and have some fun, Pickleball was still available as a playful reset. Meanwhile, creativity was on display at the collaborative murals sponsored by Paintillio and the Hospital Arts Foundation, where attendees could contribute to a beautiful and meaningful collective art project.
A particularly memorable experience came from checking out Mixly’s partner display with Hard Rock Hotels in the hosted buyers lounge. Their “Taste the Music” experience allowed attendees to pick a favorite song on Spotify, which Mixly’s AI would then use to create a custom cocktail or mocktail recipe. Watching the robot bartender bring these drinks to life was nothing short of mesmerizing, offering a unique blend of technology and creativity.
Adding to the excitement, I took part in the MLB VR Home Run Derby experience, where you could choose your favorite stadium and test your batting skills in a virtual reality setting. To my surprise, I hit 7 home runs in a row, placing me 7th on the leaderboard for the day—a fun and competitive highlight that not only got the blood flowing, but added to the day’s entertainment.
As the day wound down, everyone made sure to get in their final steps for the Wellbeing Challenge, sponsored by Caesars Entertainment Meetings and Events and powered by Heka Health. The challenge encouraged attendees to stay active throughout the event, and those who met their step goals had the chance to win some great prizes. It was a fitting way to cap off the day, ensuring everyone left with both a sense of accomplishment and a commitment to wellness.
With a mix of learning, movement, and meaningful connections, IMEX’s final day was a testament to the power of wellness in the meetings and events industry. It was the perfect close to an inspiring week, leaving attendees energized and ready to implement these wellness strategies in their own lives and workspaces.
