CEO, IMEX Group, Carina Bauer speaks to Natalie Hami about the fast-approaching 2016 edition of IMEX America, which takes place from October 18–20 in Las Vegas.
TTG: What can exhibitors and buyers look forward to during this year’s IMEX America?
Plenty! We develop our show year-on-year to ensure there are many opportunities to do business, network and have fun. Buyers can meet a wide range of exhibitors from across the globe including many who are joining the show for the first time: AEG Live Venues, Alabama, Albuquerque, Bulova, Hanoi Department of Tourism, Luxury Brands, Destination Michigan, Hanoi Department of Tourism, Luxury Brands, Munich (first time with their own booth), Oklahoma, Reno-Sparks CVB, Slovenian Tourist Board, Vail Resorts/Rock Resorts, the Vienna Convention Bureau, Visit Spokane, World Experts DMC and many others. Reflecting the growing role that technology is playing in the meetings industry a strong number of new technology providers will also debut including Bizly, EventBank, Event Collab, Loopd Inc. (winner of last year’s #IMEXpitch tech start-up competition), MeetingHand, Scout20 and others.
We’re helping buyers to make the most of their time at the show with a series of tours showcasing some of the highlights from the show floor – these cover the themes of event tech, sustainability, and innovation.
As well as the chance to do business with contacts from around the world, IMEX America also offers an unparalleled opportunity for updating industry knowledge and our education programme is shaped to reflect the latest trends. We are introducing two key themes at this year’s show: the Sharing Economy and Where Personal Meets Professional which focuses on how personal development and wellbeing can benefit the individual both in and out of the office. At our new interactive session, a panel of sharing economy pioneers will debate why the meetings industry should care about the sharing economy.
Finally, for visitors who want to connect with the wider community outside of the show, there’s our new initiative, Garbage Grabbers, part of our established CSR programme. We’re inviting volunteers to join us on a clean-up of walking trails and parks organised by the Outside Las Vegas Foundation.
TTG: How will the show be assisting attendees with their key objective of networking and building relationships?
We’re aware that networking is a key objective for attendees, and opportunities to meet, connect and build on relationships are vital to the overall show experience. That’s why we’re offering a new initiative at this year’s show – buyers have the opportunity to make valuable peer connections through the use of the Zenvoy matching app which will facilitate introductions between buyers who share common attributes. Matching factors include job title, nature of business, decision-making authority, geographical remit and number of years in the industry.
In addition, our hosted buyer lounge will feature a new Networking Hub with the IMEX hosted buyer team facilitating networking sessions at key times throughout the show.
We also offer exclusive networking and education events for industry professionals. Association executives can network with their peers at Association Focus. Researched and designed for association leaders and association event managers, we have created a brand new two-stream educational programme, presented by ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership and ICCA. Association Focus takes place on Monday October 17, the day before the show, and alongside networking opportunities including Association Evening, it is also packed full of expert case studies and thought provoking roundtable discussions.
At the Executive Meeting Forum, top level corporate executives can gather to share their expertise and knowledge. This invitation-only programme is ‘an event within an event’ that combines an outstanding education programme with opportunities to participate in informal, closed networking and discussion.
TTG: Out of business hours, what fun activities will be on the agenda for those attending?
There are many options to work hard and play hard at IMEX America!
At SITE Nite North America, attendees can join 1,200 SITE members and industry professionals for an evening of networking at Omnia Nightclub, part of Caesar’s Palace.
Another must-attend event is the MPI Foundation Rendezvous where buyers and suppliers from around the world gather for the unofficial IMEX party. It’s held at Drai’s Beach Club and Nightclub, overlooking the famous Strip.
Golf fans will enjoy The Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s (CEIR) third annual CEIR Golf Classic. Sports fans will also want to join our popular IMEXrun – a five kilometre route along the Strip as dawn breaks over Vegas. Developed by Case Imagine and inspired by Rio, the IMEXrun takes place on Wednesday October 19.
TTG: How beneficial will the educational side of the show be this time round?
IMEX’s comprehensive education programme covers insights and innovations from the best in the industry and we tailor the programme to ensure it focuses on the latest trends and issues. Each day (Monday to Thursday) begins with a distinguished MPI keynote speaker, and the week kicks off with a dedicated day of education on Smart Monday (October 17), powered by MPI and supported by other association partners.
The first MPI keynote launches the Where Personal Meets Professional theme on Smart Monday. Jon Bradshaw, CEO of Meetology is set to share recent research on how to connect, interact and communicate more effectively in Meetology—the fascinating science powering interpersonal communication.
All show floor education takes place at the Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events, covering 10 tracks of specialist interest. There will be a range of learning formats including hands-on, creative sessions at the popular Play Room which offers a light-hearted way to learn how to create interactive events and increase audience engagement.
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