“While last year’s show was the celebratory ‘coming back together’ the industry craved, this October’s edition was the business-fuelled ‘bounce-back’ we’ve all been waiting for,” is how Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, sums up last month’s IMEX America as full post-show statistics are released.
October The numbers for the show, which took place 10–13 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, reveal that 4,000 buyers from 69 countries attended. Both agency and corporate planner numbers, representing 56% and 20% of hosted buyers respectively, were on a par with last year.
The global buyers out in force at the show brought with them substantial budgets – with three-quarters having annual budgets of over $1 million and 39% having spending power of $5m+. Many had long-term plans, with RFPs (requests for proposals) and business being placed as far out as 2028, according to organisers.
Business meetings again formed the bedrock of the show, with 62,000 appointments between buyers and suppliers over three days. These comprised individual, group appointments and open-to-all booth presentations.
Over 3,300 exhibiting companies from 180+ countries including Europe, Asia Pacific, North America and the Middle East took part. Many had been unable to attend in 2021.
“From our conversations with buyers and suppliers on-site, we know that this year’s show was characterised by the return of global business and strong business pipelines running as far ahead as 2028”, said Bauer. “We’ve even had one commentator refer to it as ‘an ironman event’ due to the energy and commitment required to leverage all the opportunities on offer!”
IMEX America returns to Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, 16–19 October, 2023.
