Industry update Delegates get creative at IMEX America 2019
The ninth edition of IMEX America recently took place in Las Vegas, where ideas were shared, industry firsts were launched and Australia shone, all under the theme, the Power of Imagination. Spice Magazine was there to cover all the action.
IMEX AMERICA IN NUMBERS 13,500 total participants 4,226 total buyers
Imagine that W
alking around the show floor among the more than 3500 exhibitors at IMEX America, it was clear the Power of Imagination was the key theme, or Talking Point, for 2019. From 10-12 September, every corner of the Sands Expo Convention Center was bursting with creativity and every stand offered something unique to draw attendees in. Two-storey exhibition booths, stilt walkers, spin-the-wheel activations and even live tattooing were all on offer. In his closing address to media, IMEX chairman Ray Bloom said the show was the most imaginative yet. “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,” he said. “Their level of investment and commitment to business is remarkable.” Also remarkable in 2019 was the final show numbers, which revealed a total 13,500 participants took part in the event, including 4226 hosted and non-hosted buyers. A whopping 76,000 appointments took place over three days, including individual meetings and group presentations. 12 Spice Summer 2019
The Power of Imagination was also woven throughout Smart Monday, a full day of education for attendees. Participants took part in mindfulness sessions, digital portrait painting and professional development workshops, as well as the first-ever She Means Business conference, which addressed gender equality and women in business. Another show highlight included the signing by multiple partners of the Events Industry Sexual Harassment Task Force Pledge, led by the Association for Women in Events with a goal to eradicate sexual harassment in the events industry. Meanwhile, sustainability was also a key theme, with the announcement of the industry’s involvement in accelerating the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Australia on show Among the Australian contingent at IMEX America 2019 were 30 exhibitors, including Business Events Sydney, Brisbane Marketing, Darwin Convention Centre, Luna Park Sydney and Perth Convention Bureau just to name a few. ICC Sydney was also at the show, spreading its legacy message and sharing
76,000 appointments 3,500+ exhibiting companies from 155 countries
its ‘More Than a Venue’ campaign with international buyers. ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy said the show was a great opportunity to build on the already strong interest in the venue. “We’ve been at IMEX right from the very beginning of our pre-opening period, but now what we’re doing is ramping up our involvement,” he said. “As we’re approaching the end of our third year, we’re reinforcing the fact that we’re an international standard, worldclass venue, but really emphasising our message that we’re more than a venue.”
IMEX goes bigger and bolder With the 2019 show all wrapped up, Bloom invited attendees to return to IMEX America in 2020 to celebrate the show’s 10th anniversary. He also announced the IMEX Talking Point for 2020 and 2021. “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’,” he said. “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.” n