MPI keynote Justin Wren set the tone early on the first day of IMEX America, October 8 – 10, saying: “Collective impact is what I’m all about – and it’s what you’re about too. I hope you’re aware of the effect of your work and its ripple effect into the wider world.” The Champion MMA fighter’s work with his nonprofit Fight for the Forgotten makes a positive and long-term impact in supporting communities in Africa.
It’s a message which resonated with buyer Nicole Bamford from aNd Logistix: “I was moved by his story! We work closely with our host destinations and also in our local community – donating to shelters in Toronto, for instance.”
Megan Henshall from Google Xi is a strong proponent of the power of events to help people flourish: “One of our mottos is to leave people better than we found them. There are issues we can all experience – from loneliness to health and well-being – that can be helped by gathering together,” said Megan in her education session Designing for Human Flourishing held at the Google Xi CoLaboratory.
A foundation of friendship
At the heart of events lies strong business connections and friendships. Buyer Cree Daniels from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative commented: “I’m here to build on my network and meet the new destinations we’re expanding our events into. The way I see it, the hotel–event planner relationship is mutually exclusive; we both want each other to do well. The whole planning process is smoother – and more fun – when underpinned by strong friendships.”
Building connections was also the primary aim for some of the first-timers at the show. A group of newbies joined a dedicated first-timers welcome, part of a wider package of support to welcome new faces to the show.
“I’m here on my own so I’m hoping to find a buddy to explore with and make connections for future events,” explained Julie Mongoni from The Moving Company. “I came to IMEX because of its size and scope – I know that if there’s a venue we’re interested in, it will be represented here. Plus, a partner of mine spoke very highly of this event, so I wanted to experience it for myself!”
Haley Sweeney, from Cottingham & Butler, added: “I joined the welcome session to learn how to maximize my experience here. Based in Iowa, I organize events across the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada. I’ve been in touch with some industry contacts for years but haven’t yet met them in person, so I came to IMEX to strengthen those relationships and explore how we can enhance our partnerships through meeting face-to-face.”
Partnering for progress
The partnership approach was explored in some of the education sessions taking place at the show floor’s Inspiration Hub. Michel Mari from VisitParisRegion was one of a series of guests at #Eventprofs Unplugged. He talked about how this summer’s Olympics, which brought 4.1m tourists to the Paris region, transformed the city, enhancing connectivity and leaving a sporting legacy. Talks are now ongoing with Los Angeles to share learnings and advice ahead of the next Olympic games in 2028.
The Paris Olympics also featured in a press conference by Atout France earlier in the day. Attendees learned about the much-anticipated reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in December and heard presentations from five French companies making a positive impact through digital innovation. One example is Vasy, an urban navigation tool that combines artificial intelligence and psychological factors to help people find their way through a city or area safely and with ease.
IMEX America 2024 takes place at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, October 8 – 10. www.imexamerica.com.
