IMEX America 2022 Promises Business at Its Best and 'Pathways to Clarity' for an Industry Moving Forward
August 11, 2022
Riding a wave of optimism following a momentous IMEX Frankfurt 2022, held May 31 to June 2, and being honored in June with the AEO Excellence Awards Best International Trade Show-Americas for its resoundingly successful IMEX America 2021 in Las Vegas last November, IMEX Group has set its sights on its next grand gathering: IMEX America 2022.
The show is set for Oct. 11-13 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the second year in a row.
After a few tumultuous years for a global events industry reeling from the pandemic, both exhibitors and buyers have been feeling their way back into the market, and IMEX is delighted that they’ve used its recent shows to catalyze business and reset for the future, according to IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer.
“Now, and together, we move into a new phase with sights firmly set on 2023, 2024 and beyond,” Bauer said. “Yes, there are challenges, but we believe—and recent experience proves—that the best way to tap into business is to keep showing up to promote. The phrase ‘if you don’t go, you won’t know’ has never been more fitting.”
Strong Business Prospects
All signs are pointing to healthy supplier interest and robust business opportunities at this year’s show, according to IMEX. In the past several weeks, IMEX America has signed contracts and received dozens of enquiries from suppliers who were either not ready or not able to take part in 2021’s autumn show. Repeat business from a range of big or familiar brands is already strong, while the pipeline of new enquiries is also healthy and encouraging.
Education Program for Today’s Challenges
Meanwhile, based on feedback combined with current learning trends and industry intelligence, the IMEX team has restructured the education tracks and devised a theme for the IMEX America education program: “Pathways to Clarity.” The theme is designed to address the confusion and complexity that has crept into daily work and personal life since the pandemic. It aims to provide attendees with tools, insights and lessons to help them move forward with confidence, simplicity and clear thinking.
Practicing what they preach, the team has simplified the number of education tracks from 10 to four, each taking place in its own dedicated education theater to make planning and attending easier. The four new tracks are Respect for People and Planet, Future Self, Innovation and Creativity, and Event Planner Toolkit.
As always, Smart Monday, powered by MPI, takes place the day before the IMEX America trade show opens, on Monday Oct. 10.
All buyers and suppliers can go here for complimentary IMEX America registration. Hosted buyer registration is also available for qualified event professionals.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
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.
Add new comment