USAEXtra IMEX America
V O L U M E 4 | ISSUE 11
OCTOBER 6, 2025
Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group, with Ray Bloom, Chairman and Founder, IMEX Group. IMEX America is October 7–9 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. It is preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI on October 6.
IMEX America Pacing to Be Biggest Yet
By Todd McElwee
IMEX America 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest edition yet. More than 3,500 companies are exhibiting. That makes week’s edition the largest IMEX America to date by exhibitor floor space, organizers announced on October 2. In addition to domestic exhibitors, representatives from Canada, Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East will be in Las Vegas. IMEX said all the major hotel groups and technology specialists will be on the show floor. IMEX noted many exhibitors are unveiling immersive activations across the show floor and beyond. These include a “mind-bending mirror box” by Toronto live harp melodies from Ireland, an F1 simulator by Maui Jim and custom hat making experience by Scottsdale. “The investment and innovation we’re seeing from exhibitors is a clear
and welcome sign of strong momentum across the sector,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX. “From expanded booths to immersive activations and headline-making launches, next week’s show floor will put the full spectrum of the global events industry on display in glorious color, and with a friendly get-down-to-business attitude. It represents a much needed and powerful moment for all our attendees to learn, do business, connect, be inspired, and understand what’s coming up in 2026.” The show floor number is the latest indication of elevated demand for IMEX America. In late August, hosted buyer registrations were pacing 25% ahead compared to the same time last year. Driving the momentum was demand from the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, South and Central America. Canadian registrations were tracking the same as last year. Updated numbers were not available.
Liz Brand, IMEX Head of Hosted Buyer Relationship Management, said: “There’s a real buzz building around this year’s show, and in ways that have surprised us given the wider economic picture. Our newly enhanced customer service support means we’ve been able to begin conversations with buyers earlier to build their ‘IMEXperience’. Essentially, it’s about helping them make the most of their time at IMEX America and connect to the people, products and partnerships that really hit the mark for their business needs.” Stats from IMEX 2024 include 15,800 total participants, 85,000 meetings and 4,350 hosted buyers from 75 countries. Smart Monday is October 6, followed by IMEX America, Oct. 7–9 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Find more information at imexamerica.com.
Inside
Page 3 Los Angeles Convention Center Breaks Ground on Expansion Page 4 MPI Supplying Education at IMEX America Page 5 Susan Phillips Looks at Bigger Picture in DMO Leadership Page 9 Conversation with Annette Gregg, CMM, CEO of Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Page 10 New York Trade Union Calls for Boycott of Surrey Hotel