Get Ready for IMEX America 2024: A Preview with CEO Carina Bauer
October 3, 2024
As IMEX America 2024 approaches, IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer joined TSNN’s VP of Group Content Danica Tormohlen for an insightful preview of what attendees can expect at this year's event, which will be held Oct. 7-10 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
Bauer told us she expects this year's IMEX America to surpass last year's success in terms of both size and attendance. The event's app, equipped with advanced navigation features akin to Google Maps, will be integral in helping attendees navigate the expansive show floor.
Related: IMEX DEBUTS GROUNDBREAKING DIGITAL WAYFINDING AT 2023 FRANKFURT AND LAS VEGAS SHOWS
As you prepare for IMEX America 2024, keep these tips and highlights in mind to ensure a productive and enjoyable experience. From insightful speakers to innovative activations and robust sustainability practices, this year's event promises to be a standout opportunity for learning, networking, and growth in the events industry.
Whether it’s your first time at IMEX America or you’re a seasoned attendee, here's what you need to know now to make the most out of IMEX America 2024. Download the app, plan your schedule, and get ready for an immersive week of learning and networking.
Here are 8 takeaways from our interview. Watch or listen to the full interview here.
1. Preparation is Key
With Smart Monday and the show opening just days away, Bauer’s paramount piece of advice is to plan your schedule meticulously. Given the vast array of sessions, meetings, and networking events, proper time management is crucial. Spend a couple of hours this week figuring out your schedule, including breaks and travel time, to make sure you hit all your must-see events without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Must-See Speakers
This year, IMEX America will feature an impressive lineup of 300 speakers. One standout is Holly Ransom, who will be conducting the "Emergent Leadership" program in the Inspiration Hub on Wednesday, October 9. Ransom, celebrated for her dynamic interviewing skills, promises to offer valuable insights into evolving leadership. A schedule of the sessions Ransom will be moderating can be found here.
3. Dynamic Show Floor Activations
Among the many exciting show floor activations, Bauer highlighted Visit Seattle's sponsorship of pickleball (Bauer will be playing at 10 a.m. on Wed., October. 9), and the various corporate social responsibility (CSR) and wellness initiatives by different exhibitors. For example, she recommended checking out The Wynn's sock collection drive and the Las Vegas booth's wellness activation.
4. Innovative Educational Experiences
A unique feature to anticipate is the "Shared Studios" experience at the Inspiration Hub. These interactive sessions allow participants to engage in meaningful conversations with people from different parts of the world, discussing a range of topics like indigenous cultures in tourism.
5. Sustainability Initiatives
IMEX America 2024 will set new benchmarks for sustainability. All food court packaging, including plates, bowls, and cups, will be fully compostable. The event boasts a 90%+ waste diversion rate, classifying it as a zero-waste event. Notably, the menus will exclude beef to reduce carbon footprint, with lower carbon and water usage items prominently placed on menus to encourage responsible choices. Find out more about IMEX’s sustainability initiatives here.
6. Wellness Opportunities
Wellness remains a core focus, with the Heka Health Challenge returning as a fun way to track steps and activities, and fantastic travel prizes up for grabs. Sign up here. More than 50 wellness sessions will be available, from brief meditations to in-depth sessions on incorporating wellness into event planning. Don’t miss the resilience and quiet lounges for moments of calm off the bustling show floor.
7. After-Hours Networking
When the show floor closes, the networking continues. Notable events include MPI Foundation Rendezvous at Drai’s on Wed., Oct. 9, and SITE Night at Top Golf on Mon., Oct. 7. Bauer recommended purchasing a ticket to the MPI Foundation Rendezvous, as it typically sells out each year. She said she’s heard of several watch parties for the Tropicana's implosion, which is set for 2:30 a.m. on Wed., Oct. 9.
8. First-Timers’ Guide
IMEX prioritizes first-time attendees with a dedicated webpage offering tips and tricks, as well as a welcome session on Tuesday morning. Newcomers can fill out experience profiles to receive tailored guides to maximize their participation.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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