The 11th edition of the event opened yesterday at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas with buyer and exhibitor attendance levels dating back to pre-COVID-19 levels
Exhibiting companies representing more than 180 countries are promoting their services in almost 400 booths, of which 38% are larger than in 2021. Almost a third are new to the fair since 2021.
In terms of regional buoyancy, Arusha, Abu Dhabi and Egypt return this year representing Africa and the Middle East, while Ras Al Khaimah joins them for the first time. From Asia return Malaysia, Seoul, Taipei, Taiwan and Tokyo. Also, back in the Caribbean fold are Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, Saint Martin and Saint Kitts.
From the hotel sector, Kalahari Resorts, Rosen, Rosewood, Trump, Velas Resorts and Viceroy rejoin the IMEX America lineup.
European exhibitors are back in force after travel restrictions prevented many from participating last year. France, Italy, and the Netherlands along with Germany, the Nordic countries, London, England, and Scotland have a major lineup that brings them back to their traditional presence. Munich, Portugal and Poland also return.
Latin America is also making its mark this week with Brazil, Ecuador, Rio de Janeiro, Uruguay and Buenos Aires back on the show floor, while Costa Rica, Los Cabos and Colombia are taking up more space than last year.
Significantly, North American representation is the largest in square footage since IMEX America launched in 2011. Returning U.S. exhibitors from before the pandemic include Columbus, Pasadena, Napa Valley, Salt Lake, Tampa and Wisconsin, among others.
Tech Tours
Knowing that buyers are interested in staying on top of event technologies and the event tech landscape, the Dahlia+ team offers 35-minute tours that can be booked. Each tour features five exhibitors who will give a five-minute introduction to their product or service. New names joining the list of tech companies include Hubilo, WebEx, Vfairs, Simple View, and 6 Connex.
As IMEX CEO Carina Bauer explains, “We are obviously delighted with the numbers and turnout at this year’s show, given the tough road the US and global market has been through in recent years.
“With more than 3,000 buyers on the show floor, this IMEX America is packed with business potential. In turn, thousands of exhibiting companies are present, indicating their appetite for an upturn.
“More than ever before, this year’s IMEX America offers a close-up view of the industry’s prospects, a compass point for direction in 2023/24 and a magnet for all those in the business events business, meetings and incentive trips to once again feel the solidarity born of a community focused on renewal and regeneration.”
With more than 200 educational sessions under the banner of Pathways to Clarity, combined with show floor activations and novel experiences including Encore’s new Break Free creation and Smart Monday’s new AVoice4All program, IMEX America 2022 is set to fulfill its promise to delight, inspire and renew – energize a global industry that has been shaken but not broken.
Source: Regent Exhibitions Ltd.
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