Turning point for the regeneration of the global meetings and events industry: IMEX America – It’s good to be back!

After a busy week defined by an overwhelming feeling of “it’s good to be back”, IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom, and CEO, Carina Bauer were joined at the IMEX America 2021 closing press conference by Steve Hill, CEO and President of the LVCVA; Paul VanDeventer, President and CEO of MPI and Stephanie Glanzer, Chief Sales Officer & Senior Vice President at MGM Resorts International.

Ray marked the 10th edition of IMEX America with his traditional recap of business statistics from the week, “Over 3,300 buyers were here this week, the vast majority of them hosted buyers. We also had over 2,200 exhibiting companies representing 200-plus countries. Appointments were around 50,000 and feedback shows they produced strong business for exhibitors. Also notable was the quality of business and RFPs coming from walk-up appointments by attendee buyers.“

Carina expanded upon the business demand demonstrated during the week. “It’s been heart-warming and joyful to hear so many come-back stories. London & Partners, our friends here today, the LVCVA, and dozens more, including hotel groups such as Mandarin Oriental, have all reported strong business pipelines right through Q3 next year and into 2025. This IMEX week has given us all reason to believe the industry’s future is bright.

“Like so many of you, our team worked long and hard to make IMEX America 2021 come to fruition. We were buoyed up knowing you were watching, waiting and willing it into life because it means so much for our global industry. We couldn’t have done it without you. More importantly we do it for you because we believe so strongly in the economic value and positive impact of this industry all over the world.”

IMEX America 2022 will take place October 11 – 13, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on October 10.