IMEX closes its doors marking a promising future for MICE

Speaking at the show's closing press conference at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, IMEX President Ray Bloom announced an overall turnout of 12,000 people, of which more than 4,000 were buyers, 3,300 of whom attended the show. of invited buyers characteristic of the program.

Bloom explained that the 2022 show was 45% larger than last year due to a relaxation of travel restrictions, as well as 40% of returning exhibitors taking up more space on the stand. "We've certainly all taken our steps this week," he joked.

In general, international exhibitors returned in great numbers. Of those that doubled the size of their stands, 24% were North American, 23% hotel groups, 15% European and 12% Asian. Exhibitors from Latin America and technology also showed significant increases.

Bloom continued: “The size of this year's show obviously depends on many in the industry being able to travel and plan meetings again and do so with certainty. It's been a long time coming and while we produced a great show last year, this week felt like the big comeback we've all been waiting for."

“That is not to deny that challenges remain. Likewise, it seems that buyers are being more demanding,” she said. “We hear that they are preparing RFPs in more detail and being more rigorous in their selection criteria.”

Bloom explained that exhibitors had reported long projects, with deals being sited until 2028. Earlier today, Tourism Ireland announced that they had confirmed €10m worth of business during the show, while Destination DC secured a big event for the American Association of Distillers in 2026.

Representation from all corners of the industry
Having welcomed the largest group of faculty members in the world to IMEX America this week, Bloom reminded his audience that IMEX purposely brings together all corners of the global industry. “We are not just talking about buyers and suppliers from all corners of the world. Hundreds of students, our future leaders, have been here, learning and experiencing the industry firsthand and seeing it in full color. And IMEX together with IAEE also invite teachers here, providing a program designed specifically for them”.

Sustainability, Belonging and Freedom of Choice
Some of the big topics that filtered through the hallway conversations and speakers this week included: service levels, contracts, wellness and mental health; the pros and cons of distributed workforces; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI+B) and sustainability, both personal and environmental.

Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, explained that in addition to receiving MeetGreen Visionary status and the TSE (Trade Show Executive) Grand Prize for Most Recommended Green Initiatives for the 2021 show, IMEX America earned Platinum Certification from Events Industry Council Sustainable Events Standards. .

“The fast-paced global arrest of the pandemic may be behind us, but its lessons live on. And, having talked for so long about disruption as a tool for business transformation, we are now seeing what that really means. Many of these lessons are positive, innovative, and long overdue. From our A Voice for All program on Smart Monday to the Google Experience Institute Project NEU, we are all invited to understand that events and event designs have excluded too many people for too long.

“Two concepts I take from this week are belonging and freedom of choice. The first is to make sure that everyone feels welcome, that they truly belong at our events, and that our designs include them. The second is a call to planners to let go. To free yourself from over-programming and the "more is more" approach. We need to put people first, give them more choice, and pay more attention to what makes us all human. At its most basic, this means prioritizing healthy and nutritious food, clean water, time to rest, space for unscheduled hookups, and plenty of natural light. Google's Megan Henshall put it best: "The data not only shows that belonging is good for business, but as designers, We also need to do a better job of not asking people to leave their lived experience at the door when they come to our events." Carina concluded.

The press conference audience also heard updates from MPI Chief Brand Officer Drew Holmgreen, who spoke about the success of Smart Monday, the funds raised in the MPI Foundation's Rendezvous, and the association's 50th anniversary celebrations. Steve Hill, CEO and President of the LVCVA (Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority), along with Stephanie Glanzer, Director of Sales and Senior Vice President of MGM Resorts International, discussed the continued importance of IMEX America to the city.