“The Olympics of events”
It was a triumphant return to Las Vegas for the business events industry at IMEX America. The show, which took place 9 – 11 November in Las Vegas, saw 8,600 industry professionals from 80 countries meet to network and kickstart business regeneration, conducting 50,000 business appointments, two-thirds of which were to discuss a specific meeting or event.
The favourable ratio of buyers (3,420) to exhibitors (2,200 exhibiting companies) added to the business momentum as did the positive, upbeat atmosphere, with the show being described as ‘the Olympics of events’.
Post-event analysis reflects the resounding response of the industry to the return of IMEX America. KPIs increased from 2019 and satisfaction scores placed the show ahead of the industry benchmark and in the top 1% of trade shows surveyed by attendee research company Explori.
Positive ripple effects across the industry
The show has generated positive ripple effects across the industry with the survey showing that over three-quarters of respondents have done, or plan to do, business with new and current suppliers as a result of attending IMEX America – with 91% of buyers and 98% exhibitors rating the show as important to their business. One buyer explained: ‘we’ve attended each year of IMEX and this year I felt the ratio of buyers to suppliers was really strong – the best IMEX ever!’
Further statistics for the 10th edition of IMEX America can be found here, including buyers by nature of business, buying power and country.
The show’s success has generated positive momentum and confidence ahead of IMEX in Frankfurt 2022. The milestone 20th anniversary of the show takes place 26 – 28 April and global exhibitors from Spain to Seoul, Germany to Latvia and Egypt to Ras Al Khaimah are already confirmed; alongside all the major hotel groups who will be bringing their clients to the show as hosted buyers.
IMEX in Frankfurt takes place 26 – 28 April 2022 – the business event community can register their interest here.
