IMEX America Highlights Landmark Week for Event Industry

October 23, 2018

Billed as the incentive travel, meetings and events industry’s largest trade show in the U.S., IMEX America 2018broke its own records for success last week. Held Oct. 16-18 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, this was the show’s eighth consecutive year in Las Vegas.   

According to IMEX Group, the show boasted the following statistics:

  • 13,000 estimated participants
  • 6,000 attendees
  • 3,300 hosted buyers
  • More than 3,500 exhibitors
  • More than 150 countries represented
  • 70,000 estimated appointments
  • Economic impact of $19.1 million 

Smart Monday, the MPI-powered day of education immediately prior to IMEX America, also broke its previous attendance record. 

The success of IMEX America, particularly the economic impact, illustrated what IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom called “a landmark week” for the events industry. 

“(The) announcement at IMEX America that globally, business events generate over $1 trillion in direct spending, matching the consumer electronics sector in size, puts its economic contribution into clear perspective and places it among the world’s leading business markets,” Bloom explained.

Las Vegas is no stranger to generating economic impact. As industry leaders referenced during GMID 2018, the city is home to three of the top 10 largest convention centers in North America and has been the number one trade show destination for the past 24 years. 

In 2017, Las Vegas hosted a record-breaking 6.6 million business travelers and hosted nearly 22,000 meetings. 

“In Las Vegas, the event industry professionals and facilities for events represent the global industry at its best,” said IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer.

She continued, “Their professionalism and cooperation have played an important role in the development of the show. The relationships we have built here have become like family and helped to make Las Vegas feel like our second home.”

IMEX America 2019 will return to the Sands Expo Sept. 10-12 and will take place Sept. 15–17 in 2020. The event is committed to exhibiting in Las Vegas through 2025.

To learn more about IMEX Group and its future events, go HERE.

 

Don’t miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE & engage with us on TwitterFacebookLinkedIn & Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.