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More confirmed global suppliers and new learning opportunities mark another milestone for More confirmed global suppliers and new learning opportunities mark another milestone for IMEX America on the Road to Mandalay Bay

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The excitement around the return of IMEX America continues to increase with a growing list of exhibitors from around the world already confirmed and preparing to do business.

The international range of exhibitors contracted for IMEX America, taking place November 9 – 11, spans all sectors of the industry and includes destinations such as Greece, Detroit, Newport Beach, Michigan, the Bahamas, Aruba, Kansas, Milwaukee; together with companies including Club Med Groups & Incentives, Live Nation Special Events, Global DMC Network by JTB, Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts and The Hoxton.

“Our team has had a strong start in planning our landmark live show and the global range of confirmed suppliers is an integral part of this,” explains Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group. “We’ve evolved this year’s IMEX America – our 10th edition – to deliver a fresh approach and new content alongside the same, solid opportunities to do business which underpin all of our live shows.”

As part of the new-look show, the education tracks have been redefined to maintain a firm focus on the new professional and personal development needs required in the current climate. The IMEX Group is now inviting speakers and experts from outside and within the business events sector to participate in the show’s education and development program.

The new tracks are:

•Creativity in communication – bringing FOMO back to virtual and hybrid events, redefining attendee engagement, reinventing your communication channels, social media and content design

•Diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility – creating inclusive accessible events and workplaces

•Event planner toolkit – event planning essentials including contracting, negotiating, budget management, operations, logistics and event design

•Innovation and tech – exploring creative education formats and ground-breaking event tech

•Professional development and upskilling – understanding leadership, culture, employee happiness, team management, personal branding

•Purposeful recovery – exploring the recovery of our industry and re-discovering human connections

•Sustainability and nature+ – designing events that go beyond low impact to positive impact, innovations in sustainability

•Trends and future foresight – looking to the future of virtual to hybrid and live events, building community

•Well-being and personal growth – prioritizing mental health and emotional intelligence, building feel-good moments into events

Speakers from all areas of the business events community and beyond are invited to apply by the 26 May deadline.

IMEX America takes place 9 – 11 November at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas with Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on 8 November. Register interest here.

For more details about accommodation options and to book click here.

www.imexamerica.com

More news about IMEX

#IMEX21

eTurboNews is a media partner for IMEX America.

Media Contact: Emma Blake: emmablake@clareville.co.uk 

A catalyst for change and industry advancement – IMEX America closes on another high

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The ninth edition of IMEX America comes to a close in Las Vegas today after a week that left no one in doubt about the strength, vitality and appetite for business that currently defines the global meetings, incentive travel and events industry.

“This edition has been our most imaginative yet, and for good reason given that our annual Talking Point and annual research white paper were both devoted to the Power of Imagination,” said chairman Ray Bloom at the show’s closing press conference.

He was joined by Chandra Allison, senior vice president sales, Sands Expo; Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and John Schreiber CEM, vice president of business sales, LVCVA.

“In an age that’s marked by an exceptional rate of change, particularly in technology, it’s impressive to see how the whole industry is embracing virtual reality and experiential activations. I can also testify that innovation, creativity and imagination have been in rich supply here at the Sands Expo this week,” said Bloom.

Reporting on the number of pre-scheduled appointments made between buyers and exhibitors, a key performance metric for the show and its attendees, Bloom explained the show had achieved a new high with a 3 per cent increase to 76,000 appointments recorded this week.

“As many of you know, every year we strive to be our own competition, to push ourselves to deliver richer experiences, better education and, of course, a really strong business pipeline for our exhibitors. Our partners keep rising to the occasion too. We’ve seen some spectacular booths and activations this year and are delighted to see so many exhibitors aligning with our annual Talking Point and using it so innovatively each year. Their level of investment and commitment to business is remarkable. Equally the feedback about the quality and variety of our education program has been second to none this year.”

He went on to talk about the many industry “firsts” that had taken place during the week, including the launch of the Event Industry Council’s (EIC) new Center for Sustainable Events. EIC also announced that they plan to replace the old Apex standards with new EIC standards. In the process the standards have been consolidated and updated to make them more accessible for the whole industry; IMEX America is one of only two events that have committed to pilot them.

The signing by multiple partners of the Events Industry Sexual Harassment Task Force Pledge and the announcement of the events industry’s involvement in accelerating the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are the focal point of discussions at the UN Summit in New York later this month, also made this a stand-out edition of IMEX America. Other social justice issues, including ECPAT’s drive to encourage meetings and event planners to educate themselves on how to end child prostitution and slavery, were widely discussed at the show. IMEX is a proud sponsor of the ECPAT 20by20 campaign and has also signed the pledge.

Bloom recapped other highlights of the week, including dozens of high-level partner events such as EIC’s Hall of Leaders and Pacesetter Awards, MPI Foundation Rendezvous and SITE Nite. IMEX’s efforts to provide a wider range of healthier food and drink choices, including Impossible Burgers and Beyond Meat hotdogs had proved a big hit, together with its waterwise menu options. “We’re opening people’s eyes to what’s possible with health, wellbeing, sustainability and better nutrition on the road and during large events. We really appreciate all those partners who have stepped up to help us make these massive strides forward. It’s also noteworthy that, thanks to Sands Expo, this year’s show is 100% powered by renewable energy.”

Other themes ran strong throughout the week including diversity and inclusion, transformation and collaboration and sustainability, all of which featured in the IMEX Imagination research report, sponsored by PSAV. The report has been downloaded by 1,900 events industry professionals to date, a significant achievement for authors EventMB.com and IMEX.

Bloom also reminded his audience that 2020 see the 10th edition of IMEX America. He said: “We invite you all to share in our birthday celebrations. This isn’t about IMEX, it’s about you, your contribution and our collective desire to see this industry flourish, to use its influence and power responsibly and, above all, to grow in a sustainable way.”

In closing, Bloom announced the annual IMEX Talking Point for 2020 and 2021. “I’m delighted to tell you that, for the first time, we have a Talking Point that will run for two years. It’s a big, timely, important topic, one we can all relate to and one that warrants our full attention; that Talking Point will be “Nature.” We’ll be exploring what nature can do for us, and what we can do for nature and we’ll be running this theme over two years to give it the traction it deserves.”

IMEX America concludes today, September 12, in Las Vegas.

#IMEX19

eTN is a media partner for IMEX America.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Emma Blake (UK): emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com  

Norman Birnbach (US): norman.birnbach@imexexhibitions.com    

IMEX AMERICA 2020

IMEX America takes place in September again next year: September 15 – 17, 2020.

#IMEXcited. Why? Because IMEX America is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2020. More details to follow soon.

“Everyone’s here!” Collaboration and connections at IMEX America

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“It’s our first time at the show and we’re very excited. The reason we’re here is because the Ministry understands how much economic potential this industry has,” explained Daniella Garson from the Israel Ministry of Tourism. Meanwhile, Robin Miller, director of sales at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, said, “At my very first appointment today, we learned that somebody we’ve been talking to has decided to take the next step in going to come and see us. And we know that when people put their feet on the ground, we really start to move forward. Being at IMEX America means we can achieve a lot in a short period of time.”

Connections and collaboration spearheaded the second day of IMEX America, currently taking place in Las Vegas. David Meisner from Austin Marriott Downtown was one of the many exhibitors confirming business. “What a success! We have four or five really hot pieces of business. Everyone’s here! We’ve made so many valuable connections. The ROI is totally worth it,” he said.

The buyers were busy with appointments – “I’m in the process of confirming meetings and events in both Europe and the USA – a corporate group of 50 and a medical congress of 4,000,” explains hosted buyer Hugo Rosa from LKD Abatur in Mexico.

The power of positivity

Alongside the business on the show floor was expert-led education beginning with Michelle Gielan, MPI keynote. In The optimism quotient: changing our mindset, fueling success, she shared research showing the ripple effect that rational optimism can have on performance, profitability and happiness at work. “Being positive, optimistic and resilient drives every single educational, business and health outcome. It increases your productive energy by 31% and your chances of promotion by 40%.”

A dedicated technology education track covered the latest in smart project management, how to use speech recognition apps and presentation tools. “You need to consider how to use your event app strategically – turn it from a tool for attendees to a tool for yourselves” – this was the opening statement by Kate Gray from EventMobi in her session Rethink your event app: how to take your content and design to the next level. Kate shared examples of event apps and ideas on design, content and presentation.

One of the learning experiences at the Tech Zone, home to all the latest technology innovations, was a session by Tara Thomas from The Meeting Pool. In Understanding and leveraging the MarTech landscape, Tara recommended a goal-orientated approach to choosing and using tech and detailed specific measurement tools – “don’t invest in tech without having a plan,” she advised. Many buyers agreed on the increasingly important role of technology. “Technology helps to track and evaluate the process and make it much more manageable. When used properly, it can help to create remarkable customer experiences and really raise the bar,” said buyer Roxann Hendrickson from Hawaii Meetings+events.

“Being green used to be nice… now it’s imperative,” said Tammy Blount-Canavan, President and CEO of Monterey. Tammy joined forces with Fiona Pelham from Positive Impact Events to deliver the education session Future trends for the global event industry. Fiona described the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how events can be used to achieve them.

The learning opportunities at the show were welcomed by many attendees such as James Kim, corporate events manager at Netflix. He said: “Education is an important part of our company culture, our teams share knowledge and experiences to keep on top of trends. To see such a wide range of education here is a great aspect to the show.”

IMEX America continues until September 12 in Las Vegas.

#IMEX19

eTN is a media partner for IMEX America.

“Everyone’s here!” Collaboration and connections at IMEX America
The power of positivity
“Everyone’s here!” Collaboration and connections at IMEX America
Getting connected

IMEX AMERICA 2019

IMEX America 2019 is currently taking place September 10 – 12 at the Sands Expo® Convention Center preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI on September 9.

Exhibitor news can be found here.

For further press information, please visit us at the on-site press center (Upper Lobby, Level 2, Sands Expo® Convention Center) or contact:

Emma Blake (UK): emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com  

Norman Birnbach (US): norman.birnbach@imexexhibitions.com    

IMEX AMERICA 2020

IMEX America takes place in September again next year: September 15 – 17, 2020.

#IMEXcited. Why? Because IMEX America is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2020. More details to follow soon.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Emma Blake (UK): emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com ; Norman Birnbach (US): norman.birnbach@imexexhibitions.com     

Environmentally-focused experiences and education at IMEX America 2019

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In between meetings, networking and attending education sessions, attendees at IMEX America have opportunities to take care of themselves and to give back by improving the world.

Wednesday started bright and early with the annual #IMEXrun, a 5K race that drew more than 400 runners through a course in and around the Las Vegas strip (including inside the Planet Hollywood casino). The run is sponsored by Italian National Tourist Board – ENIT, CORT, Hilton and Maritz Global Events. Developed by VOQIN.

Back by popular demand, the Be Well Lounge offers Lee Papa’s Mindfulness Lounge™ to teach attendees about how to bring (or keep) mindfulness in their lives. According to PK Keiran, Butler Events, “Mindfulness is something we all need to do and embrace. I dragged people over to experience the joy of it. They had tears in their eyes because we’re all so busy we forget to take time for ourselves.” Deora Myers from the Trauma Center Association of America, also enjoyed the session. “It was such an enjoyable 20 minutes and I felt so relaxed that I came back again.”

Sustainability and smiles

At Sarah Routman’s Laughter Lab in the Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events, attendees participated in interactive activities designed to use laughter to deal with stress, burnout and being overwhelmed. Emily Beck, a meeting planner with Genentech, said “The session provided plenty of positive energy. It’s a great networking activity and a useful break if you’ve been sitting down too long.”

“We’re on a mission to reduce waste significantly,” said Nalan, who led a “sustainability safari” – new for this year – through the show floor, covering the climate-friendly highlights. On the safari, one of many green education sessions at the show, attendees discovered the sustainability measures in place during the show from recycling initiatives and compostable products, to charitable initiatives and water-wise foods. Best practice case studies, sustainability superheroes and IMEX’s new sustainability pledge (with around 150 exhibitors signed up!) were showcased at the show floor’s IMEX-EIC Sustainability Village.

The sustainability safari was also a welcome way to clock up the miles as part of the Caesars Forum Walking Challenge by Heka Health. As of press time, all participants walked a total of three million steps.

IMEX America continues until September 12 in Las Vegas.

#IMEX19

eTN is a media partner for IMEX America.

IMEX America 2019: Mindfulness and sustainability are runaway successes this year
Running start to the day at IMEX 
IMEX America 2019: Mindfulness and sustainability are runaway successes this year
IMEX Group COO leads a “sustainability safari” 
IMEX America 2019: Mindfulness and sustainability are runaway successes this year

Being well at IMEX

IMEX AMERICA 2019

IMEX America 2019 is currently taking place September 10 – 12 at the Sands Expo® Convention Center preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI on September 9.

Exhibitor news can be found here.

For further press information, please visit us at the on-site press center (Upper Lobby, Level 2, Sands Expo® Convention Center) or contact:

Emma Blake (UK): emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com   

Norman Birnbach (US): norman.birnbach@imexexhibitions.com     

IMEX AMERICA 2020

IMEX America takes place in September again next year: September 15 – 17, 2020.

#IMEXcited. Why? Because IMEX America is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2020. More details to follow soon.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Emma Blake (UK): emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com ; Norman Birnbach (US): norman.birnbach@imexexhibitions.com     

Discovering the power of “What if…?” at IMEX America’s new Discovery Zone

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“What if….?” was the question asked across the show floor on the first day of IMEX America, as part of the focus on imagination, IMEX’s Talking Point this year.

The new Discovery Zone at IMEX America, taking place September 10 – 12, is packed with experiences to fire up the imagination and inspire attendees to explore new approaches to event engagement. Attendees had the opportunity to source ideas on sustainability and creativity with offerings that include a “mystery tattoo” booth, multi-sensory displays, digital graffiti walls, interactive photo booths and a new, distinctive style of flower arranging called Freakebana.

Jacqueline Reeves at Esko is a first-time hosted buyer from Miamisburg, USA, and was visiting the THINKERS Society booth that helps attendees to think creatively. “I just got here and was immediately drawn to the Discovery Zone. I’m always looking to be more creative and want to discover new ideas and steal ideas for us to use. This is a great start.”

Collette Williams, a hosted buyer from VitalSmarts, saw EyeJack’s augmented reality (AR) photo booth. “I love this – this is awesome. This is unique and goes way beyond ordinary photos.”

Creativity is a muscle – the more it’s used the stronger it gets. That’s according to Christopher Bent from Piccles, a self-confessed “doodler” who is sharing his collaborative drawing platform in his learning session Uncork your crowd’s creativity. The Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events, is home to the show floor education and offers attendees a huge range of education, much of it focused on exploring the various facets of human imagination. IMEX and MPI join forces to share ideas on how to use imagination to embrace diversity and inclusion, by asking, “what if we intentionally included all kinds of people?”

As research partners on the IMEX Talking Point of “Imagination” this year, EventMB.com launched its report, created in association with PSAV, containing best practice case studies of some of the most imaginative events across the industry. The report profiles 15 events in particular and shares over 50 “actionable insights” for events planners. Within hours over 1,000 people had downloaded the free report, a new record for an IMEX industry research paper. As report sponsors, PSAV is also inviting attendees to make imaginative discoveries on its booth during the show.

IMEX America continues until September 12 in Las Vegas.

eTN is a media partner for IMEX America.

Discovering the power of “What if…?” at IMEX America’s new Discovery Zone
Looking into a crystal ball to predict the future 
Discovering the power of “What if…?” at IMEX America’s new Discovery Zone
An IMEX America attendee spreads her wings

#IMEX19

IMEX AMERICA 2019

IMEX America 2019 is currently taking place September 10 – 12 at the Sands Expo® Convention Center preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI on September 9.

Exhibitor news can be found here.

IMEX AMERICA 2020

IMEX America takes place in September again next year: September 15 – 17, 2020.

#IMEXcited. Why? Because IMEX America is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2020. More details to follow soon.

For further press information, please visit us at the on-site press center (Upper Lobby, Level 2, Sands Expo® Convention Center) or contact:

Emma Blake (UK): emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com     Norman Birnbach (US): norman.birnbach@imexexhibitions.com

Limitless possibilities, diversity, drama… and dogs drive Smart Monday

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Limitations are a source of creativity’ – sound improbable? Not according to artist Phil Hansen, keynote at IMEX America which began today with Smart Monday, powered by MPI.

Hansen was forced to find creative ways to overcome a tremor in his drawing hand and in the process he learned how to ‘embrace the shake’ – creating art using other tools – shoes, coffee cups, matchsticks… even hamburgers! Through live examples of his disruptive artistic process – the audience ripped up one of his artworks and created one of their own – he shared his learnings in his keynote: Embrace the shake: transforming limitations into opportunities. “We’re taught that we need choice, but limitations can prompt fresh thinking – don’t seize the day… seize the limitation.”

The audience accepted the challenge – John Larson, from Marquis Exhibits, says: “What an inspiring guy – he’s shown me never to be afraid of the unexpected. A situation may seem like a failure, but it’s simply a different option.” Cathy Peterson from Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau adds: “A lesson learned is the importance of looking at things differently – reframing how we approach a project.”

Ask ‘What if…?’

Smart Monday, powered by MPI, is a dedicated day of education which sets the tone for an intense week of business, networking and skills development at IMEX America, September 10 – 12 in Las Vegas. Imagination was the driving force behind the day with a whole host of experiential activities designed to prompt attendees to ask ‘what if…?’.

What if I change my event and include different groups of people? This is one of the questions Julius Solaris from EventMB.com asked attendees to consider in his session Unleash your Event Imagination. As research partners on the IMEX Talking Point of ‘Imagination’ this year, EventMB.com launched their report, created in association with PSAV, containing best practice case studies of some of the most imaginative events across the industry.

A host of experiential activities from mindful sessions at the Be Well Lounge, digital portrait painting, a string art wall, to Paws for a Break (downtime with dogs!) gave attendees both relaxation and inspiration as PK Keiran from Butler Events explains: “Mindfulness is a real thing, something we all need to do and embrace. I dragged people over to experience the joy of it.”

Diversity and drama drive the education

“The future of finance is female – and we all need to take better control of our financial futures” – Dr. Mara Catherine Harvey from UBS Switzerland AG issued a rallying cry to women at She Means Business, a joint event by IMEX and tw magazine, supported by MPI. Mara, keynote at the new conference, showed some hard-hitting stats on the true impact of the gender pay gap over a lifetime and talked about the need to drive forward progress on workplace equality and to pass on the powerful message to the next generation. She encouraged her audience to understand the impact of all their decisions on women, not just at work but in every product and service they purchase. She urged event planners to transform the value chain and also the supply chain of their businesses. Ask yourselves “where are the women in everything we do? Make sure your RFPs ask where your suppliers stand on gender equality. You have the power. You need to use it,” she urged.

Attendees were put in the driver’s seat of a high-stakes challenge at InsideRisk’s session – What kind of leader are you under maximum pressure? Based on the true story of Swiss executive J.P. Mottu, who in 1988 found himself in charge of saving a young engineer kidnapped by Colombian rebels, the interactive session challenged attendees to consider what they would do if faced with these incredibly complex – and dramatic – decisions.

Smart Monday also featured special events for specialist audiences, including an Association Leadership Forum, Executive Meeting Forum plus open-to-all education crafted and delivered by leading industry associations including EIC, ICCA, PCMA, IAEE and SITE.

Tailored education to transform

The IMEX America Executive Meetings Forum at Caesars Palace earlier in the day saw 35 senior corporate meetings executives gather in what facilitator, Terri Breining, described as ‘a sacred space’. With a full day’s program shaped entirely around the challenges and issues gathered from the group in advance, this year’s Forum focused on specially curated conversations on topics including motivating teams and best practice leadership. Attendees included representatives from KPMG, Boston Consulting Group, Astra Zeneca, Enterprise Holdings and EY. This program also focused on what Breining called ‘clearing the underbrush’. “You told us you want to walk away from today with actionable insights and a sense of how to cut through all the ‘stuff’ that inevitably accumulates around your role. You want to learn new ways to be more effective, you want to find inspiration from each other and you want to discover new course correction tools and approaches. Our goal today is to help you transition or transform, possibly both.”

The ability to adapt and respond to these drivers of change was at the forefront of the Association Leadership Forum. “We need to have strategic conversations looking up to 10 years into the future in order to consider how to prepare our association for the future and engage with staff,” advised speaker Hannes Combest, CEO of the National Auctioneers Association.

IMEX America continues September 10 – 12 in Las Vegas.

#IMEX19

IMEX AMERICA 2019
IMEX America 2019 is currently taking place September 10 – 12 at the Sands Expo® Convention Center preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI on September 9.
www.imexamerica.com

Exhibitor news can be found here: 
https://portal.imexamerica.com/exhibitor-press-releases.php

IMEX AMERICA 2020
IMEX America takes place in September again next year: September 15 – 17, 2020.
#IMEXcited. Why? Because IMEX America is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2020. More details to follow soon.

For further press information, please visit the on-site press center (Upper Lobby, Level 2, Sands Expo® Convention Center) or contact:
Emma Blake (UK): emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com
Norman Birnbach (US): norman.birnbach@imexexhibitions.com

Gender equality tops agenda at She Means Business as IMEX America 2019 set to drive diversity debate

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With a recent World Economic Forum report (Global Gender Gap Report 2018) projecting it would take 202 years for men and women to reach economic parity, gender equality remains a pressing issue. It’s one that tops the agenda at She Means Business, part of IMEX America taking place September 10 – 12 in Las Vegas.

She Means Business, a joint event by IMEX and tw magazine, supported by MPI, will launch at the show following its success at IMEX in Frankfurt, bringing with it trail-blazing speakers and a commitment to collaborate and make a difference to the 21st century workplace.

Gender equality: less words and more action?

Dr. Mara Harvey, Head Global UHNW Germany, Austria, Italy of UBS Switzerland AG, delivers the keynote address – Gender equality: less words and more action? – explaining why actions speak louder than words in addressing barriers to economic equality. Beginning by exploring the root causes of the gender pay gap including the implicit meaning of semantics around risk and money, Mara will share her advice for boosting financial confidence across the generations, including stories and tools for tackling the glass ceiling.

She also joins a high caliber roster of speakers delivering punchy and powerful TED style mini presentations about women in business, delving into diversity, gender equality and female empowerment.

Other speakers include Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, Vicki Hawarden, VP Events for the Society for Human Resource Management and Melissa Ow, Deputy Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board.

Professional & personal – finding a better balance

The sandwich generation: Balancing career and family is one that will resonate with many professionals, both women and men. With event management regarded as one of the most stressful careers in the world (Forbes, 2017), managing family obligations and a career can be challenging. An expert panel will debunk the myths, share best practices and solutions – the speakers are: Nelly Mukazayire, CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau; Nicole Bowman, VP Marketing & Communications at IAEE; and Dale Hudson, Knowledge and Events Director of the IMEX Group.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains: “Issues around diversity and gender equality are more important than ever and She Means Business will provide women in events and their male counterparts with a platform for deeper understanding and action. The launch of this new conference at IMEX America follows two years of growth and refinement at IMEX in Frankfurt. It’s a valuable opportunity for planners to collaborate with and learn from inspiring speakers on crucial issues facing women today and – like all IMEX education – there’s no charge to attend.”

Kerstin Wünsch, Editor-in-Chief of tw tagungswirtschaft and Co-Founder of She Means Business, says: “We’re very excited to introduce She Means Business to IMEX America, in partnership with MPI. The conference aims for diversity, gender equality and female empowerment – we believe that if we come together, we can make a change.”

“We are thrilled to support She Means Business – an innovative and inspiring program in partnership with our strategic partner, IMEX Group,” said Paul Van Deventer, CEO and President of MPI. “Diversity and inclusion are at the core of MPI and we know the strong impact this program will have on our community.”

She Means Business takes place on Smart Monday, powered by MPI, a pre-show day of education on September 9, the day before IMEX America September 10 – 12 .

Registration for the show is free of charge and open to all who work in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry.

CCH Congress Center Hamburg sponsors the keynote at She Means Business. Singapore Tourism Board is the golden sponsor.

IMEX America, the heartbeat of the global business events community, will take place September 10 – 12 at the Sands® Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian®| The Palazzo® in Las Vegas, preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on September 9.

www.imexamerica.com

Exhibitor news can be found here:

https://portal.imexamerica.com/exhibitor-press-releases.php

Media Contacts:

Emma Blake (UK): emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com   

Norman Birnbach (US): norman.birnbach@imexexhibitions.com     

From 30 new booths to Nook Pods, Laughter Yoga and crisis negotiation training: IMEX America is the place to witness the changing face of events

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With just a few weeks to go until IMEX America returns to Las Vegas, destinations, venues and suppliers from around the world and across North America are gearing up to showcase their latest products and services for meeting and event planners. There’s plenty of news to share – from new venue and hotel openings, redevelopments, innovative incentive activities and a strong focus on sustainable meetings and events.

The expanded show floor at IMEX America, taking place September 10 – 12 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian® | The Palazzo® in Las Vegas, will be home to around 3,500 suppliers from 150 countries including new exhibitors Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, Leonardo Hotels, The Hoxton, Destination Cleveland, Los Cabos Tourism Board as well as an extended Tech Pavillion showcasing the latest event tech innovations.

To date, more than 30 current exhibitors have expanded their presence at the show, including Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Bureau, Royal Caribbean International, Hyatt Hotels, NYC & Company, Hungary and Dallas.

North America in the spotlight – 100 booths, 40 states

Around 4,000 qualified buyers will come together during the three days of the show to plan and book everything from high-level incentives to huge association conventions as well as to make important new contacts, strengthen existing relationships and seal critical business deals. This year planners doing interstate business in North America will find 100 booths representing over 1,000 suppliers from 40 states including individual destinations such as Wilmington, Jackson Hole, Spokane and Albuquerque.

Attendees can also dive into all things experiential at a new Discovery Zone, dedicated to experimentation and immersive activities. This forms part of the show’s focus on Imagination, IMEX’s Talking Point for this year. Planners can also get stuck into practical hands-on workshops and experience truly immersive role play with surprise sensory components. IMEX America’s new Discovery Zone is designed to fuel fresh thinking and encourage creative risk-taking.

Explore high-stakes decision-making

Immersive learning experiences don’t get more interactive – or dramatic – than InsideRisk’s session – What kind of leader are you under maximum pressure? Based on the true story of Swiss executive J.P. Mottu, who in 1988 found himself in charge of saving a young engineer kidnapped by Colombian rebels, the program thrusts participants into real-life negotiations that have been kept secret for over 25 years.

The multi-media workshop, taking place on Smart Monday – IMEX’s pre-show day of education, is designed to help leaders dramatically increase their trust-building and critical thinking abilities. Participants experience high-stakes situations individually and in groups, exchanging invaluable insights and forging memorable relationships with peers.

Laughter is the best medicine

By contrast, another immersive activity sure to bring a smile to attendees’ faces, will be laughter yoga at the new Laughter Lab. Part of the Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events, home to all show floor education, the Laughter Lab hosts several sessions on the power of laughter by Sarah Routman from Laugh for the Health of It, LLC. Laughter yoga encourages creative play with prolonged voluntary giggles that start intentionally and become spontaneous, providing plenty of positive health benefits.

There are many opportunities to relax and revive during busy days at the show, starting with the Be Well Lounge, brought to the show by Lee Papa’s Mindfulness Lounge™ and supported by Imprint Events Group. Rise early for the IMEXrun, sponsored by Italian National Tourist Board – ENIT, CORT, Hilton and Maritz Global Events, or take part in daily 7 a.m. mind, body and soul movement classes with live music, courtesy of JessicaMicheletti.com. Alternatively, attendees can learn how to weave wellbeing into their own events by following the dedicated health and wellbeing education track or trying out new ‘Nook Pods’. The pods, which were a big hit at IMEX in Frankfurt, recognize that acoustics affect our wellbeing – in particular the 30-50% of people who are introverts. They provide a quiet, private space to recharge or simply to concentrate.

Education remains a firm focus of IMEX America and there are more than 180 learning opportunities over the entire show this year – all free of charge and designed for meetings and events industry professionals at all levels, both buyers and exhibitors. Education sessions cover 10 tracks including Business Skills, Creative Learning, Personal Development, Technology and Trends & Research. Each track provides fresh thinking and new learning formats designed to make meetings more engaging, embrace new ways of thinking and human behavior, consider big trends and issues, and explore innovation and imagination.

IMEX America takes place September 10 – 12, 2019, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on September 9. Registration for the show is free of charge and open to all who work in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry.

For quick and easy information or news about the show, search #IMEX19 or experience IMEX on YouTube.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Emma Blake (UK): emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com ; Norman Birnbach (US): norman.birnbach@imexexhibitions.com      

Nike, UBS, SMG and … superheroes all power IMEX America education program

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Experts from UBS, Nike and SMG are among the speakers at IMEX America this year. Taking place September 10 – 12, IMEX America has a firm focus on education with more than 180 learning sessions – all free of charge – over the entire show for meeting and events professionals at all levels. Show organizers have also increased the capacity of the show’s education theater, the Inspiration Hub sponsored by Maritz Global Events, by 12 per cent to allow more people to benefit from its in-demand program.

Ron Renee Roley, board member LGBT Meeting Professionals Association and Senior Event Manager for Global Events at Nike, discusses diversity in Creating environments of acceptance: gender expression in the workplace and beyond. As a champion for trans workers’ rights, gender neutral bathrooms, safe travel for trans employees, they will share personal experiences and advise attendees on how to develop an understanding of gender expression.

Women and risk: rewriting the rules sees Dr. Mara Catherine Harvey from UBS Switzerland share steps on addressing economic gender equality. Dr Harvey, also the keynote at She Means Business conference, is committed to advancing equality in finance and her session sheds light on tackling pay gaps both now and in the future.

Diversity and inclusion is the focus of sessions by Katie Wells from SMG – she will share examples from her company culture to show how inclusion can benefit businesses. Her session, Being who you are is an advantage in the workplace, will show how there is a measurable, positive impact on a company’s performance and business results when an open and collaborative culture exists.

‘Stop, stare and say wow’ – learning opportunities to power the imagination

Collaboration is one of three ‘pillars’ of Imagination, IMEX’s Talking Point for this year, and many education sessions at the show explore this in more detail. Take The science behind imaginative events by EventMB.com. As research partners on this year’s IMEX industry research report, EventMB.com will present findings and case studies from their report into some of the most imaginative events in the industry. Julius Solaris’ sessions will show how to translate inspiration into business action and use imagination to elevate performance, both professionally and personally.

Founder of the Event Design Collective, Roel Frissen, will show how the event model canvas enables planners to collaboratively design innovative events in an MPI education session #EventCanvas: your map to extraordinary meetings.

Make delegates ‘stop, stare and say wow’ is the aim of Do you remember when? Emma Pitts, Founder and CEO of PullSpark, draws upon her experience in live events and production to share tips on how to captivate an audience and create a truly memorable event.

Sustainability superheroes make a stand

Various facets of sustainability, a core consideration for many event professionals, are covered in multiple sessions including one that enlists the help of superheroes! Greening the events industry: sustainability superheroes assemble! is a panel of industry-leading professionals – including IMEX’s own COO Nalan Emre – discussing how to work together to imagine new initiatives, minimize waste and how this feeds into designing a better event experience.

Next-level sustainability – Global Climate Action Summit case study is a deep dive into the sustainability strategy of the Global Climate Action Summit, winner of the IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award at IMEX in Frankfurt this year. Jaime Nack, President of Three Squares Inc, reviews its key impact areas and how it became the first event to achieve third party certification to ISO 20121.

Mariela McIlwraith from EIC and Guy Bigwood from Global Destinations Sustainability Index introduce the UN Sustainable Development Goals in Events as conservers, creators and catalysts for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They’ll share case studies of events which are creating positive change in communities and prompting participants to take action.

Finally, technology continues to feature highly with the latest in gamification, apps, AR and cyber security all explored in detail. Speaker Tim Altbaum, CEO of Vario, believes the next five years will see the fastest growth ever in event technology. His session Mixed reality and event technology trends focuses on how advances in AR/VR and AI will change event environments and the resulting impact on attendees.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains: “Beginning with Smart Monday, powered by MPI, and also running throughout the three days of the show, education is a firm focus for IMEX America. We recognize that, although event planners need to remain up to date on the latest issues and trends, it can sometime be a challenge to carve out time for professional development in between their business appointments. Our sessions – all free of charge – are offered in a variety of learning formats and cover 10 tracks including business skills, trends and research, creative learning, technology and marketing. We and our partners craft ‘something for everyone’ so they can hit that perfect balance between business, networking and inspiration.”

The IMEX America education program is now live. IMEX America takes place September 10 – 12, 2019, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on September 9. Registration for the show is free of charge and open to all who work in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry.

IMEX America, the heartbeat of the global business events community, will take place September 10 – 12 at the Sands® Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian®| The Palazzo® in Las Vegas, preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on September 9.

Media Contacts:

Emma Blake (UK): emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com  

Norman Birnbach (US): norman.birnbach@imexexhibitions.com    

IMEX exhibitors invited to make Sustainable Exhibiting Pledge

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IMEX in Frankfurt has invited exhibitors at this year’s show (21 -23 May) to make a Sustainable Exhibiting Pledge as it continues to increase its commitment to demonstrating and leading through best practice in sustainability.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “Our approach to sustainability is to lead by example, to encourage others to aim higher and to shine a spotlight on key industry campaigns. This year I’m inviting exhibitors to make a sustainable exhibiting pledge, to implement three simple green initiatives to help reduce their environmental impact at the show. A list of ideas on how to do this features in our IMEX in Frankfurt 2019 Sustainable Exhibiting Guide.”

In January the IMEX Group highlighted its commitment by making sustainability the third ‘pillar’ of this year’s IMEX Talking Point “Imagination.”

Carina Bauer explained: “We’re asking everyone in the global meetings industry to imagine a new beginning: to ask what if we all really committed to cutting down waste?

“We’ve continued to improve our own sustainability performance at both of our shows each year and we’re proud to say that our Frankfurt show is now 100 per cent hydro-powered. Thanks to our waste donation program plus the responsible recycling systems at Messe Frankfurt, we now send zero waste to landfill. This is virtually unheard of in the exhibition business!

“Our work to reduce and recycle more waste generated by both exhibitors and visitors is explained in our first ever IMEX in Frankfurt sustainability report which joins our annual IMEX America sustainability report.”

In line with its determination to lead the industry forward, IMEX was a launch partner when the Events Industry Council introduced its Principles of Sustainable Events in January after hosting two forums at IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America in 2018 when these principles were formulated.

A further element of its commitment to leading the industry, the IMEX team believes in sharing what it knows and has learned through experience. At IMEX in Frankfurt, learning about sustainability will feature prominently throughout the show. Starting on EduMonday, 20 May, there will be more than 20 opportunities to learn about sustainability among the 250 plus sessions in the extensive education program at the Inspiration Hub. What’s more, the first ever Sustainability Policy Round table, supported by Edmonton, will bring together industry leaders and experts to share insights at the InterContinental Frankfurt on 21 May.

Furthermore, in partnership with the Events Industry Council (EIC), IMEX will salute an organization making a significant commitment to reducing its environmental impact by announcing the winner of the IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award at the IMEX Gala Dinner on 22 May.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, says: “At both shows we continue to work closely with our partners including Meet Green, EIC, The Venetian®| The Palazzo® and the Sands Expo®, Messe Frankfurt and GES. We are wholeheartedly committed to providing education, inspiration and leadership on sustainability issues. The business events industry still has a long way to go before thinking green is the first thought, not the last.”

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