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IMEX CEO: For 2020, we’re looking on the bright side of life

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“It’s been a turbulent year for the world in general and for so many of our exhibitors. In the past few years we’ve observed trends that, even though they eventually led to innovation, were essentially disruptive and extremely challenging, so coming into 2020 we’re focusing ‘on the bright side of life’.” says Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.

“This shift towards the positive has been inspired by the creativity and resilience of individuals and companies in our industry and, in the wider world – projects such as David Byrne’s ‘Reasons To Be Cheerful’, for example. So, we’ve chosen to highlight trends which we believe are going to change the world, our industry and the way we work for the better in 2020.

“These are all positive developments that we expect to see grow faster. Some are steps in the right direction, a turnaround from years in the opposite direction, others are new ideas that can enhance our environment and our well-being.

“Sustainability, health and wellness, diversity, inclusivity, collaboration, AI, VR, legacy, bleisure and mindfulness are all prominent at virtually every industry conference and in every trade publication. Campaigns to reduce food waste and single use plastics are widespread and well-established. That’s great to see.”

But what’s next? Looking to the future, here are four positive trends that the IMEX team expect – and want – to see more of in 2020 and beyond.

1. The Circular Economy

‘As an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose), in a circular economy we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life’.

WRAP, an organisation dedicated to improving resource efficiency, has clearly captured the essence of the circular economy.

‘Sustainability consciousness’ has contributed enormously to changing attitudes and behaviors for the better – stopping practices like single use plastics that harm the planet and its inhabitants; to reducing waste and encouraging recycling.

The next positive step is to create business models based on the circular economy in which the principles of zero waste, maximizing product life and the reuse and recycling of materials are intrinsic to their design.

An eye-catching story of the circular economy in practice came from the World Economic Forum with ‘Your next pair of sneakers could be made from coffee’. It’s a great, mind-expanding example of what can be done.

How far can it go? The World Economic Forum again gave a decisive answer and captured attention worldwide with the headline ‘How the circular economy could change the world by 2030’.

2. Taking up the challenge of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

“Producing sustainable events is the only way to ensure that your business will continue to exist. It’s not an addition – it’s the only option.”

Miguel Naranjo, program officer for the UN Framework Convention Goals, expressed this challenging opinion during a press conference at IMEX America 2019 to announce the Event Industry Council’s (EIC) Center for Sustainable Events. The IMEX Group is one of the Center’s sponsors.

The Center has been created to align the industry with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are increasingly becoming the ‘point of reference’ for businesses in all industries. This major initiative by the EIC, with the support of many leading industry organisations, follows the launch of the EIC’s Sustainable Event Standards, and together they have provided a new focus and raised the profile and urgency of this topic even further.

The annual IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award has been generating great interest and is highly effective in encouraging the industry to create and celebrate new initiatives. The deadline for submissions is 20 January 2020.

3. Health & wellbeing; more focus on mental health

The sudden unprecedented avalanche of media coverage and activity around World Mental Health Day 10 October, in the events industry and the world at large, was testimony to a paradigm shift about mental health.

According to the Institute of Health Metrics Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease, about 13 per cent of the global population – some 971 million people – suffer from some kind of mental disorder. According to Arianna Huffington of Thrive Global, 300 million people suffer from depression, making it ‘the world’s leading cause of disability.’ Millions more now suffer from anxiety, stress or dementia.

The big change is first that the historic stigma attached to admitting to mental illness is being removed with so many campaigns that say ‘It’s OK not to be OK’. And second, there is more action, not only to provide greater help but also to reduce root causes. There are now many apps to help with everything from wellness to sleep quality and many employers have trained mental health first aiders who can identify and help staff. More employers are also taking steps to minimize the causes of stress and anxiety at work by, for instance, providing flexible working hours and places where staff can find peace and quiet away from their desks.

4. How AI can make travelling a more pleasant and less stressful experience

It’s no surprise that according to research from the University of Montreal commutes of 20 minutes or more can lead to chronic stress and burnout. So it’s great to find that real-time emotion detection and artificial intelligence (AI) are being used to combat stress and bring a sense of well-being and calm to travel environments.

First, across the Stockholm metro system, for two weeks this year, advertising space provider Clear Channel Sweden created the Emotional Art Gallery to help calm travelers. It synthesized real-time, publicly available data from Google searches, social media, news articles and traffic information to determine the mood of the city.

The data was used to select and display artwork meant to combat commuter stress and anxiety across 250 of Clear Channel’s connected screens. Six artists contributed to the exhibition, with bespoke pieces created to induce feelings of energy, love, peacefulness, calm, happiness, comfort and safety.

Emotion detection robots can be deployed for the benefit of travelers in airports as well. Istanbul New Airport is to use them to improve travelers’ experiences. Nely, a social robot from Turkey-based Human Age Technology, can provide information to travelers about traffic, gates and weather forecasts all while reading users’ emotions and reacting accordingly. The hope is that having the robot respond to emotions, interactions will be more useful and enjoyable for people and will decrease travel stress.

The idea is also being applied to car drivers. At the CES exhibition in January 2019 South Korean automotive company Kia showed its Real-time Emotion Adaptive Driving (R.E.A.D.) system designed to reduce stress levels. The system monitors the driver’s emotions using bio-signal recognition technology. The AI-based technology analyses facial expressions, heart rate and electrodermal activity to determine emotional state and then adjusts the interior of the car – such as lighting or music – to improve the driver’s state of mind.

“We’re looking forward to these trends making 2020 a year of positive changes,” Carina Bauer concludes.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Emma Blake: emma.blake@imexexhibitions.com or Chris Lewis: chris.lewis@imexexhibitions.com

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.

IMEX America… “the cornerstone of the work we do”

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Exhibitors and buyers alike on day 3 of IMEX America report business success, whether it involves closing deals or getting new ideas to provide inspiration and creativity to help them in their jobs.

Business power

Exhibitors – new and returning – felt IMEX America 2019 has been a success. According to Paul Sullivan, director of group sales at the Westin Boston Waterfront: “I close business at this show, including one yesterday for around $30,000.”

Heike Mahmoud, chief operating officer at CCH – Congress Center Hamburg, says: “I spoke to a planner from Silicon Valley about hosting events for around 5,000 people at our venue. The show has been a really valuable opportunity to showcase and gain feedback on the CCH before it reopens next year. I have some great insight to bring back to my team and some really strong leads.”

“We consider IMEX America as the cornerstone of the work we do,” said Robin Miller, director of sales at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. “It’s where we secure face-to-face time with large numbers of potential clients and existing clients. It’s critical that we’re here.”

The show is highly valued by buyers, too. “We’re expanding our international market so this show is essential for us. The appointment system means I can guarantee time with the right person from my suppliers,” said US-based Mary Somerville from HPN Global.

Diversity driven learning

IMEX America continues to deliver on a commitment to education with a range of compelling sessions on its final day, some of which explore diversity as part of Imagination, IMEX’s Talking Point for this year. Sessions include Creating environments of acceptance: gender expression in the workplace and beyond, presented by LGBT MPA, with Ron Renee Roley, senior event manager for global events at Nike, who will use personal stories and experiences to provide a safe discussion environment.

SITE and Prevue have joined forces to dive deeper into the gender-specific challenges female meeting planning professionals and suppliers have faced in their careers with Challenges women face in the meetings industry. Rhonda Brewer, vice president, sales for North America at BCD Meetings & Events and Amanda Armstrong, assistant vice president of the meetings and travel department at Enterprise Holdings, Inc., will dive into survey results about gender-specific challenges of female meeting planning professionals and suppliers. Attendees will engage in a lively discussion about issues women face in the meetings industry and will hear from experts in the field as they share their own stories and examples.

Powerful language tools for women in business with Kate Patay, CPCE, a motivational speaker, consultant and faculty lecturer at the International School of Hospitality, who offers a frank discussion about building a personal brand and boosting leadership skills. How do you measure visitor experience? led by Maksim Godovykh from the Center for Event Studies, will help attendees learn how to measure and influence customer experience at each stage of the event process.

Other sessions on Thursday cover business skills and legacy. Lasting legacies: designing better community service projects hosted by The Events Industry Council (EIC). Mariela Mcilwraith, president of Meeting Change and David Fiss, director of business development, partnerships & event strategy at Sustainable Brands, will provide a framework for developing a lasting, positive impact through meaningful projects and explore transformative approaches that benefit communities, event planners and their teams.

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

#IMEX19

eTN is a media partner for IMEX America.

IMEX America… “the cornerstone of the work we do”
Education offerings sparks creativity and imagination

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     

“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

Driving business connections and professional development – IMEX America gets started with new offerings and business at its heart

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“We evolve IMEX America every year, with new features and learning opportunities reflecting current trends. However, the core of the show remains constant – with business meetings, new deals and industry contacts powering the busy three days of the show.” Carina Bauer, CEO the IMEX Group, explains what buyers can expect from IMEX America, which begins tomorrow (September 10) in Las Vegas.

At IMEX America, taking place September 10 – 12, planners will find all they need for their events with a choice of over 3,400 representing over 150 countries. There’s an increase in exhibitors across the board including suppliers from hotels, the USA and Canada, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the technology sector.

As ever, there’s a strong focus on business, reflected in the high number of one-to-one and group meetings that have been set up through the unique IMEX appointments system.

New exhibitors – a total of 82 altogether – include destinations Forth Worth, Cleveland, Israel, Los Cabos, Saint Lucia, Trinidad, and Knoxville. Hotels exhibiting at the show for the first time include Choice Hotels International, ITC Hotels India, Leonardo Hotels, RIU Hotels & Resorts, as well as technology suppliers including Animatic Media, Cadre, EventBots by 42Chat, InEvent, InterpreNet and Meetingmax.

Lifelong learning – inspired by the imagination

Beginning with Smart Monday, powered by MPI (taking place today), the show has a free professional education program for planners and exhibitors at all stages of their career. Boundary-breaking artist Phil Hansen launches the week’s program with his MPI keynote Embrace the shake: transforming limitations into opportunities. Hansen will take a fresh look at failure and show how it can become a source of inspiration rather than defeat.

Imagination, IMEX’s Talking Point for this year, informs much of the show floor education taking place on the Inspiration Hub, sponsored by Maritz Global Events. One example is 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 explain why imagination elevates performance, both professionally and personally.

Other learning sessions offer insight into how planners can use imagination to boost business through collaboration, diversity and sustainability. 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, greener futures and minimize waste.

Dive into the Discovery Zone

Attendee demand for all things experiential is changing the landscape for business events. IMEX America’s new Discovery Zone is packed with experiences to fire up the imagination and inspire planners to explore new approaches. It includes brain art, AR, mountain-themed challenges, mystery tattoos as well as live music and meditation.

Finally, there are countless opportunities to connect—from the glamour of the MPI Foundation Rendezvous to sweating it out on the #IMEXrun or at daily, soulful yoga and movement classes.

Carina concludes: “We work closely with our partners to create an event that brings together and champions the global business events sector, driving business connections and professional development. We’re looking forward to an exceptionally busy and productive week with a high number of appointments and business firmly on the agenda.”

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:

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

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.

IMEX America 2019 – three days of discovery, business and learning

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IMEX America never stands still. The show, taking place September 10 – 12 in Las Vegas, showcases the changing landscape of the business events industry around the world.

Innovation, discovery, exploration – and strong business value – are all on the menu, and every year that menu evolves to reflect a rapidly developing global marketplace with new players, new technologies and new trends.

Here are just some of the new activities, speakers and exhibitors, attendees to IMEX America this year can discover…

• Business continues to be at the core of the show with new exhibitors including Choice Hotels International, Destination Cleveland, Israel, Leonardo Hotels, Los Cabos, RIU Hotels & Resorts, Tourism Trinidad, Uber for Business and Wilmington & Beaches offering planners even more opportunities to do business.

• The new Discovery Zone is the hub of all things experiential – look out for multi-sensory digital displays, mystery tattoos, digital graffiti walls, AR, interactive photo booths and the Hyatt Meditation Station.

• Diversity continues to top the global agenda and She Means Business – a new joint event by IMEX and tw magazine, supported by MPI – will explore this in detail with a stellar line-up including keynote speaker Dr. Mara Catherine Harvey, UBS Switzerland AG; Vicki Hawarden, Society for Human Resource Management; and Melissa Ow, Singapore Tourism Board.
• If there’s one industry that’s ever-evolving, it’s technology. IMEX America’s Tech Pavilion reflects this, with a full complement of exhibitors, many of them new to the show. Expect the latest in gamification, apps, AR and cyber security.

• Smart Monday, powered by MPI, continues to be… smart! More than 30 concurrent education sessions cover hot topics for event planners, including a session on ‘unlocking the DNA code of leadership’ and the chance to study for the Event Design Certificate and join EventMB.com’s highly regarded Event Innovation Lab™. For a truly immersive – and dramatic – learning experience, join InsideRisk’s session – What kind of leader are you under maximum pressure?, the session fosters critical thinking and trust building. There’s also a keynote from a boundary-pushing comedian and dedicated education for event planners working in associations and corporate organizations.

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.

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

IMEX America’s new Discovery Zone to inspire imagination

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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 attendee engagement.

“With Imagination being the Talking Point for this year’s IMEX America, our new Discovery Zone provides vivid new experiences that will encourage attendees to stretch themselves – figuratively and imaginatively – testing the theory that experimentation leads to innovation,” says Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.

Unleash creativity

Event specialists Heaps + Stacks have intriguing and innovative workshops on offer. Attendees can get creative with a 3D pen or discover a new, distinctive style of flower arranging called Freakebana.

Look out for cutting-edge signage that takes the form of floating-in-mid-air Thought Bubbles.

THINKERS Society promises to “put the brain back into brainstorming” with tried and tested tactics for discovering great ideas – and quickly.

AE&ES (Amusement, Exhibit & Event Services) will offer Brain Art, a revolutionary new concept that uses real EEG technology to allow attendees to create a one-of-a-kind artwork using only their minds!

Multi-sensory displays and storytelling done differently

Attendees can turn their movements into art using an experiential LED wall from Zuzor. Invented by a theoretical mathematician, computer engineer and professional dancer, Zuzor’s movement-based environments spark curiosity and transform the way brands connect with their audiences.

EyeJack Events combines art and technology to transport audiences into magical interactive worlds. Augmented reality brings artworks to life with animation and sound, creating a truly immersive – and fun – experience.

Picture yourself

SIX STAR EXPERIENCES, a hit at IMEX in Frankfurt, offer new ways to tell the story – and share the story – of a memorable experience. Their team has “a laser focus to wow with every opportunity”. Prepare to be wowed!

Fusing art and technology, Pixperience and AE&ES can bring the event experience to life with brand-able photo keepsakes. Attendees can freeze time at the 180-degree special effect photo booth or by creating a Crystal Sphere Refraction Photo.

Stretching yourself

MOVE Your MIND, BODY & SOUL LIVE is a movement and live music experience that awakens the heart, mind and soul. Every day at 7 a.m., Jessica Micheletti and Liani Moore will lead these enlightening workshops that combine mindful meditation, movement and a live mash-up of song and soundscapes. The perfect antidote to a busy work day.

A deep-dive into digital is offered by DAHLIA+ Agency who can review and advise on company branding online and also showcase the newest technology solutions.

Attendees can take the plunge at Champagne Creative Group’s Mystery Tattoos where they can “surrender their arm” to a surprise, but temporary, tattoo.

“With thanks to some amazing and inventive partners, we’ve worked hard to bring a wealth of new concepts to our planner and buyer audiences this year. As our Imagination Research Report will clearly show, there’s more pressure than ever on planners to find new and innovative activations for their events. The desire to achieve more engagement and more memorability is greater than ever so we’ve curated our Discovery Zone to help them fulfill these needs.” Carina concludes.

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.

eTN is a media partner for IMEX America.

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