The 2024 IMEX America is a wrap. Held Oct. 8-10 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, the event drew some 15,500 attendees, including 5,500 buyers. Paticipants held 86,000 prescheduled meetings with hotels, venues, sports stadiums, convention and visitors bureaus, software companies, incentive businesses, airlines, convention centers, tour enterprises, and many more organizations serving the meetings and events industry.
Attendees frequented numerous off-site events associated with IMEX America, including the Events Industry Council’s black-tie Global Awards Celebration at Aria Hotel and Casino; a Brand Experience Summit at Allegiant Stadium created in partnership with InVision, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, and Allegiant Stadium Private Events; the LGBT Meetings Professionals Association Networking Reception at The Velvet Lounge of the Luxor Hotel & Casino; and the Meeting Professionals International Foundation Rendezvous at Drai’s Beach Club & Nightclub.
The value of in-person meetings was evident to many. Cheryl Lacriarde, a specialist account manager at Virgin Atlantic, says, “Having a face-to-face conversation is always better than a virtual one because I can pick up on a vibe if they’re not serious about doing business.”
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, adds, “We are delighted the global business events community has reconvened in such strong numbers here this week, bringing with them a desire to meet with purpose and forge connections for mutual long-term goals. The broader catalytic effect of the show has shone through in the many fringe events, activities, and celebrations on and off the show floor. The sheer number of attendees and meetings at IMEX America is further evidence of how our sector continues to prosper and power ahead.”
