LAS VEGAS, NV — The consensus at this year’s show was that “it’s good to be back.” Held last week at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, IMEX America 2021 was special not only because it was the show’s 10th edition, but also as the first in-person edition since 2019. More than just a milestone, IMEX America drew robust participation despite the challenges the industry has undergone since early last year.
“Over 3,300 buyers were here this week, the vast majority of them hosted buyers,” reported IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom. “We also had over 2,200 exhibiting companies representing 200-plus countries. Appointments were around 50,000 and feedback shows they produced strong business for exhibitors. Also notable was the quality of business and RFPs coming from walk-up appointments by attendee buyers.”
IMEX CEO Carina Bauer pointed to even more encouraging signs of the industry’s rebound: “It’s been heart-warming and joyful to hear so many come-back stories. London & Partners, our friends here today, the LVCVA [Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority], and dozens more, including hotel groups such as Mandarin Oriental, have all reported strong business pipelines right through Q3 next year and into 2025. This IMEX week has given us all reason to believe the industry’s future is bright.”
IMEX America 2021 also delivered on the educational side with over 200 sessions and new education tracks. Sustainability sessions complemented the new People & Planet Village. Along with the well-being of the planet, the show emphasized the well-being of attendees with a Tech Therapy Area and the traditional #IMEXrun on Wednesday morning.
“Like so many of you, our team worked long and hard to make IMEX America 2021 come to fruition. We were buoyed up knowing you were watching, waiting and willing it into life because it means so much for our global industry,” Bauer concluded. “We couldn’t have done it without you. More importantly, we do it for you because we believe so strongly in the economic value and positive impact of this industry all over the world. This week has signaled that — collectively — we’re back, and we’re back in business. Even if you weren’t in the room, we know you felt it from afar.”
The dates for IMEX America 2022 have been confirmed as Oct. 11-13, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on Oct. 10.
