Today is opening day for IMEX America 2018, the country’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. Held annually at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, this year's IMEX America runs Oct. 16 – 18.

Smart Monday, the MPI-powered free educational day immediately prior to the main IMEX activities, broke attendance records yesterday, and keeping in line with the industry predictions for an event size increase, IMEX America’s showfloor will be its largest yet with more than 3,500 exhibitors representing 150 countries.

Twenty-eight percent of returning exhibitors opted for larger booths this year and more than 60 new exhibitors, including Meet New York, Malta Tourism Authority, Morocco National Tourist Office, Nobu Hotels, River City Venues at Mardi Gras World, Visit Dallas and Pacifica Hotels, are joining the show’s bustling expo, according to IMEX officials.

“As we head into our 8^th IMEX America, we’re excited by the growth in the show and the way that the industry continues to make IMEX America such a key part of their year,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group. 

She continued, “We’re looking forward to an exceptionally busy and productive week with a record number of exhibitors and buyers due to be here doing business, networking and fundraising for the major industry foundations.” 

Business and brokering business connections remains the primary focus of IMEX. Buyers will find a wide variety of destinations, venues, hotels, technology specialists and service suppliers, and a large number have pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings through the IMEX meetings tool.

For those seeking educational content, the Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events, will offer more than 200 breakout sessions throughout the duration of the event. The 10-track education program includes a wide range of topics designed to appeal to every level of experience and interest, including security, sustainability, creativity, innovation and technology.

Live and experiential event design will also be a primary focus of the show. The Live Zone, supported by Michael Cerbelli’s Hot List, will include such diverse entertainment as giant puppets, a VR zipline, digital caricatures and living walls.

C2 International’s Cloud Lab will help participants navigate uncertainty by finding ways to deal with chaos in both professional and personal environments. There will also be the chance to “test-drive” some of the latest ground-breaking ideas in event technology at the new Tech Zone.

In the Be Well Lounge, IMEX America will offer meditation sessions to help everyone unwind, but the physical health of attendees certainly won’t be neglected. The new Caesars Forum Walking Challenge by Heka Health encourages attendees to track their steps to see who walks the most each day, while the Wednesday morning 5k IMEXrun is a guaranteed way to boost one’s energy before the busy show day starts.

Co-sponsored events throughout the week, including MPI Foundation Rendezvous, the EIC Hall of Leaders and Pacesetter Awards, will bring hundreds of people together to raise money for causes that benefit the industry.

With IMEX, Las Vegas continues to uphold its reputation as one of the top meeting and event destinations worldwide, Bauer said.           

“Yet again, our partners here in Las Vegas have welcomed IMEX America and the industry with open arms and hearts, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support,” she added.