Introduction
IMEX is deeply rooted in the Meetings Industry and every edition of IMEX America or IMEX in Frankfurt presents us with a challenge and an opportunity for innovation. For each show we seek to refresh and renew partnerships also with the goal of providing an ideal setting for business opportunities between our exhibitors and planners who join us as hosted buyers and visitors. This is not an easy challenge but it is one that we embrace with the help of our strong industry partnerships.
IMEX America provides attendees with the opportunity to meet with a range of global suppliers offers an unprecedented range of destinations, venues, services and technology specific to the industry. There are some huge numbers involved in education as well with over 200 education sessions available at no cost for all attendees. While these facts are certainly worth highlighting, I want to share with you some of my favorites that you may also find are worth your time at IMEX America 2015.
Get Smart on Monday
Smart Monday, powered by MPI, is an obvious choice, with so many great sessions and great speakers lined up for this whole day of free education. Education is expertly provided by MPI, ISES, IAPCO, HSMAI, DMAI, SITE, GBTA, GMIC & ECM. PCMA, SITE and IAEE also offer additional courses and special sessions on the same day.
The art of networking and selling at trade shows, is a session aimed at exhibitors which was born out of Hugo Slimbrouck’s great blog post on the IMEX blog: Selling is Not Telling. At the Play Room (Casanova 605, Level 1) a variety of sessions and “free play” will be delivered by our partners Play with a Purpose.
Also on offer is a sustainability focused back-of-house tour organized by Venetian | Palazzo | Sands Expo ( V | P | S ), the MeetingCentric tour: back of the house lessons. This is a unique opportunity to grasp the logistical operations and sustainability efforts that go on behind the scenes. Three tours will run on Monday and they are on a first come, first served basis, so arrive early.
Make sure to study the Smart Monday Schedule Overview to make sure you don’t miss out. I cannot stress strongly enough how much I recommend participating in Smart Monday.
Education on the show floor
Free education sessions will run at the Inspiration Hub, our dedicated education space on the show floor. There will also be short interactive technology focused sessions taking place at the brand new TECHnexus (booth #264), powered by The Meeting Pool. Various associations will run campfire sessions at their own booths on the show floor. The Meeting Design Hub will also feature campfire sessions at this space dedicated to meeting design.
Special Events
The #IMEXpitch is a unique session run in partnership with EventMB will have five shortlisted startups pitch their event technology to a live to an audience. Many exhibitors host receptions and a wide variety of networking events on their booths including our European exhibitors who will once again be holding the Euro Party on the Wednesday afternoon from 4pm onwards. Search the Exhibitor Event listing on our website or on our App to select your favorites.
Be Well at IMEX America
Wellness is a very important theme for us at IMEX and we are working to provide all attendees with the tools to Be Well at IMEX America. We’ve collected tips from the IMEX team, provided a Mediation Room and will be delivering a selection of wellbeing themed education throughout the trade show. A fun part of these efforts is the #IMEXrun, a fun 5K run that is open to all IMEX America attendees. Registration will be open very soon.
Extra features
Both TSA Precheck and Global Entry Program will be conducting interviews at IMEX America and there are numerous Las Vegas Offers for shows and other entertainment as well as a selection of Travel Offers.
Networking Events
My favorite kind of networking events are the organic #meetups and #tweetups organized between attendees and shared on social media. With so many events taking place over the week of IMEX America you will have to make some tough choices. The events below are by invitation only or have extra costs, but here is brief overview:
- Monday: CEIR Golf Classic, SITE Nite North America, Association Evening
- Tuesday: CIC Hall of Leaders Reception, DMC Network and Ovation Talent Search, Fresh Dinner
- Wednesday: MPI Foundation Rendezvous, Event Technology of the Year
Conclusion
I hope this post will help you make the most of your time at IMEX America 2015. If you are on Twitter please do follow me us at @IMEX_Group. #IMEX15 is the official IMEX America 2015 hashtag and we hope you will join the conversation there. You can also join our Facebook event to start your networking there. However you chose to network I hope you enjoy and share your IMEX America experience with us.
Miguel Neves, CMP
Senior Online Community Manager, IMEX Group
President, Meeting Professionals International – UK & Ireland Chapter
