Imagination Is the Inspiration for IMEX America 2019

July 16, 2019

IMEX America, IMEX’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, will be held Sept. 10–12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. Now in its ninth year, IMEX America will bring together 4,000 buyers and 3,500 suppliers from across the events industry and around the world. 

The IMEX Group’s aim is to unite and advance the meetings industry through education, innovation, and fostering connections and at its event, provides multiple opportunities for those interactions to happen.

Each year, IMEX America features an annual talking point that explores a single emerging or important trend. For 2019, that talking point is “Imagination,” celebrating creativity and curiosity. 

The show’s education program will cover transformation and collaboration, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. Learning opportunities including deep dives, one-to-one sessions and hot topic tables will provide fresh thinking on how to make meetings more engaging, embrace new ways of thinking, consider the big issues and explore innovation and creativity.

“Smart Monday,” powered by Meeting Professionals International, is a free day of more than 180 education sessions and networking that immediately precedes the event, on Sept. 10. The day of professional development will begin with an inspirational keynote address by Phil Hansen, artist and TED Talk speaker.

“We’re working to bring the power of imagination to everything we’re doing at IMEX America,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group. “Absolutely everything – and everyone – is connected or capable of becoming connected and the driving force behind all the positive changes we’re witnessing is the power of the human imagination – a uniquely human quality.”

She added, “So, we’re exploring and celebrating this aspect of being human – one that we frequently take for granted. Think of it as a human superpower; our instinct to ask, without judgment or limitation, ‘What if…’”

IMEX offers an online appointment system, allowing attendees to book meetings with exhibitors. Buyers can select who they want to meet with and then pick from available time slots. The system also allows messages to be exchanged.

In addition to the official event activities, there will be an extensive number of by-invitation-only parties and special events. If you’re attending as a hosted buyer or simply as a qualified planner, your dance card will no doubt fill up quickly. These events can be another great way to expand your professional network while having a great time.  

IMEX America is free to attend and open to all who work in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry. If you regularly plan or manage large events domestically or globally, there is also an option to apply to attend as a hosted buyer. All expenses are paid, and in return, planners commit to a minimum number of scheduled meetings with the suppliers of their choice.

View the full event agenda here.

 

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Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact