Global exhibitor momentum
Industry investment is already evident across the show floor with destinations including Montreal, Texas, Los Cabos, Egypt and Barbados all expanding their presence this year. Several international destinations that exhibited at IMEX America in previous years are returning again in 2026, including the Dominican Republic, Korea, Jamaica, Japan, Switzerland and Thailand, highlighting the show’s global reach.
Major hotel groups such as Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott have confirmed their participation, with many exhibitors expected to use the show as a platform to launch new venues, unveil marketing campaigns and share significant industry research.
Designed for connection
In the spirit of Design Matters, IMEX’s new Talking Point, attendees will notice several enhancements across the show floor and beyond, all intended to create a more efficient and engaging experience.
The Inspiration Hub will relocate to a more prominent position with expanded theatres and a dedicated entrance from the main walkway, close to the show’s catering area. The Hosted Buyer Lounge has also been enlarged and redesigned to provide a comfortable, productive space for buyers to recharge, catch up on work, and meet each other.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, says: “The momentum behind IMEX America isn’t just about strong registration figures. We’re seeing organisations commit earlier and invest more significantly because they understand that face-to-face interaction delivers a genuine competitive advantage.”
“Strong buyer and exhibitor participation demonstrates the continued importance of meeting in person to strengthen relationships, unlock opportunities and support growth. It’s a clear sign of an industry that’s forward-looking and focused on making business happen.”
These changes are rooted in a simple principle: when people have the right spaces to meet and connect, stronger business outcomes follow. According to the Events Industry Council’s Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study, 70 per cent of respondents identified relationship-building through face-to-face interaction as the event outcome most difficult to replicate digitally.
To support those connections, IMEX America will feature a range of networking opportunities both on and off the show floor, including: specialist education and networking events for association and corporate event professionals; first timer welcome sessions; the IMEXRun, MPI Foundation’s glitzy Rendezvous party, plus—new for this year—a special dinner held on October 11 to launch the Brian D. Stevens Hospitality Educational Fund.
Design Matters shapes the show experience
The IMEX Talking Point, Design Matters, is woven throughout every aspect of the show, from exhibitor activations and fringe events through to the free education program.
The learning program features 12 learning tracks, including five new tracks rooted in Design Matters, celebrating design as the ultimate experience and brand differentiator. Attendees can mix and match sessions to build their own customised learning journey, tailored to their meeting schedule and personal goals and interests.
One of the new tracks, “Designing for Human Needs”, proved to be the most popular education track at IMEX Frankfurt this year, highlighting growing demand for people-centred approaches to event design. A track that’s unique to IMEX America is “Design for Spectacle”. Sessions will cover immersive experiences from around the world, including the host city, Las Vegas, as well as globally-renowned “mega events”.
IMEX America takes place at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, October 13-15. Find out more about IMEX America here.
