Here’s something of a paradox: imagine a professional trade show for event organizers and venues themselves? Where event and meeting planners take the role of exhibitors for a change? If this is something you’ve ever wondered about, you’ve come to the right place.
Enter IMEX America: the global events community’s very own global event. And by global we really do mean global, since the incentive travel industry takes part too!
Get your travel attire and business cards ready as we explore what another top Las Vegas trade show is all about. If you’re exhibiting, partner with a specialist exhibition stand builder in Las Vegas for a good design that helps you stand out and be remembered.
When And Where Is IMEX America?
IMEX America 2026 takes place on 13-15 October 2026 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre, which is part of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. The show is free to attend for industry professionals and students studying event management. Attendee registration continues right up until the end of the event!
Operated by MGM Resorts, Mandalay Bay Convention Centre boasts 2,100,000 square feet of exhibit space. It’s one of the largest event spaces in America and has recently undergone a $100 million renovation.
What Is IMEX America All About?
IMEX America and IMEX Frankfurt are the two major annual events organized by IMEX Events. Since 2001, IMEX has focused on uniting the global meetings and events industry for better shows everywhere. It attracts thousands of exhibitors and buyers and allows buyers and suppliers to connect.
Fast Facts
- The first IMEX America event was held in Las Vegas in 2011 at the Sands Expo Convention Centre, which is now the Venetian Expo Centre.
- Over 2,000 exhibitors were present, and this number has since grown to a whopping 3,500 exhibitors at IMEX America 2024!
- In 2017, IMEX America’s estimated economic impact on Las Vegas was $23.7 million.
- Over 150 countries were represented by exhibitors in 2024.
- The 2024 show used 7% more exhibit space compared with 2023.
- More than 1,600 people attended learning sessions at the IMEX 2024 Inspiration Hub.
- Exhibitors represent 3,500 companies at IMEX America.
- IMEX America 2024 achieved 161,000 unique scans.
What Can You Expect From IMEX America?
In addition to all the high-quality buyer-supplier business meetings you’ll have, there’ll be over 150 specialist education sessions where you can continue your professional development. The free professional education program includes case studies, panel discussions, and spotlight talks that give you fresh perspectives on the industry.
It’s a dynamic, globally focused event packed with curated education, cutting-edge trends, and intensive networking opportunities, all set in the energetic backdrop of Las Vegas.
Exhibitors
Visitors can expect to engage with a diverse set of meetings industry professionals on the IMEX trade show floor:
- Hotel and resort owners
- National tourism associations (just like WTM London in the UK)
- Sports venues
- Cruise operators
- Trade show venue owners and operators
Events
There’s more than just exhibits to check out at IMEX:
Free Professional Education Program
Level up your skills and earn education credit while doing it, all at IMEX. Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP), and ICCASkills accreditations are up for grabs.
IMEX America Smart Monday
Before the show floor opens, Smart Monday gives you a chance to connect with others in the global meetings sector.
IMEX America Hosted Buyer Program
Are you a high-level decision maker in the global meetings industry? The IMEX America Hosted Buyer Program is just for you, with accommodation and travel covered by the IMEX in exchange for your time with some of the exhibitors.
Take Your IMEX America Booth To The Next Level
And that’s IMEX: an award-winning show for the event planners, venue owners, and incentive travel buyers. It’s the largest trade show of its kind in America, and serves as the barometer for the health of the global events sector.
Need an exhibition stand builder for business events like IMEX? Let Booth Exhibits™ be your strategic partner for trade show booth success. Our custom trade show booths might just blow your socks off!
What is IMEX America?
IMEX America is the largest trade show for the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry.
What is the purpose of Imex America?
IMEX America’s main goal is to unite meetings industry professionals to forge valuable business partnerships.
How much does it cost to attend IMEX?
IMEX America is free to attend through registration on the IMEX website.
Where is IMEX America?
IMEX America is held annually at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
What does IMEX America stand for?
IMEX refers to the IMEX Group, who run the trade show.
