The show floor reflects a sector that is in robust health with a 7 percent increase in space compared to 2023, more than a third of returning exhibitors expanding their presence on the show floor, and more than 400 exhibitor booths in total.
Growth is being driven primarily by the U.S. and Canada, the Caribbean, hotel groups, and technology companies. IMEX America 2024 hosts 46 technology booths, of which a third are new. Hotel groups also now account for close to 25 percent of the show’s footprint. Many other sectors of the show have also seen growth, from event production and incentive products to airlines and cruise lines, all of which point to the current strength of the broader trade events community.
The number of exhibiting companies joining the show for the first time is also up from last year. Among the 70 new booths are Guatemala; Exhibition World Bahrain; Sonder Hotels, Destination Niagara USA, Yosemite Park, Experience Grand Rapids along with DMCs such as Dragonfly Africa and Green Route Africa.
With more than 80,000 meetings planned between buyers and the 3,600 exhibiting companies, the global business events industry is taking center stage, focusing on the power and importance of face-to-face business, new discoveries and personal connections.
The show’s 150+ session educational program, held in the show floor’s Inspiration Hub, is designed to empower business meetings and networking. With learning across seven tracks, including Impact (IMEX’s talking point), Encore’s new version of its immersive experience, Break Free, the return of Google Xi with its renowned CoLaboratory offering experiential workshops and activations, play, exploration and meaningful connection are encouraged.
The learning program is one of the many ways participants are designing their own IMEX experience. Spaces for rest, recharging and experimentation have been designed into the event, allowing people to navigate the hectic business world in a way that helps them have fun, learn something new, meet the right people and achieve their goals.
Source: IMEX America.