Join us for an inside look at IMEX America 2024, the latest edition of the largest trade show exclusively for meetings, events and incentive travel professionals. This year’s IMEX attracted more than 15,500 attendees and 86,000 sessions, bringing a feast to the global meetings and events industry. We discuss the buzz on the field, unique events, and how Las Vegas’s iconic landscape – both at F1-building and city-shaping events – adds to the drama. Tune in to discover everything from personalized activities to wellness classes and why ballparks are becoming the next big stadium trend.
focus
- IMEX America 2024 hosted 15,500 attendees and 86,000 sessions over three days, making it the largest show to date.
- The event is a central connecting point for the meetings and events industry and features content including new research from Amex GBT, Freeman, IRF and more.
- The show highlights key events, including pickleball courts and creative brand booths, as evidence of the health of the industry.
- Vegas was noticeably congested during IMEX, made worse by F1 construction and other events, creating logistical challenges for attendees.
- MLB felt its presence and held a press conference to herald future events at the ballpark. Baseball also influenced the demolition of the Tropicana Hotel, which is making way for a new ballpark.
- With support from MPI, Smart Monday attendance increased by 30%. It offers a variety of meeting and networking opportunities.
- IMEX hosts many events promoting wellness, interactive sessions and personalized experiences.
- Booths stand out for their creativity, especially those offering customized merchandise and events.
Episode summary
In this episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, the team details the highlights of IMEX America 2024 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. This year’s IMEX was the largest in its history, with 15,500 attendees and 86,000 sessions over three days, a record high. The show provides a popular gathering of industry professionals and also releases important research results from AMEX GBT, Freeman and IRF.
A central theme of the show is a focus on immersive activations and wellness, from interactive booths complete with personalized cookies and custom hats to legendary activations like pickleball courts. Wellness events were also popular, with meditation classes and other wellness-focused events packed with attendees, demonstrating a deeper commitment to the well-being of professionals in our meeting spaces.
However, Las Vegas poses some logistical challenges, as F1 construction and overlapping events create traffic congestion that makes getting around the city difficult. However, the hustle and bustle in Vegas has intensified further as the Tropicana Hotel is demolished to make way for a new MLB stadium that could become a venue for major events.
Smart Monday powered by MPI saw a 30% increase in attendance and became an important social platform before the main event. Educational courses are also a cornerstone of the IMEX experience. Powered by artificial intelligence technology and human creativity, the Inspiration Center hosts hundreds of interactive discussions.
This episode showcases so many trends and innovations, capturing the energy and excitement of IMEX while providing insights into the future of the meetings and events industry.
