The biggest ever edition of IMEX America closed with record attendance reflecting current strength in the global business events sector.
The show, held October 7-9, welcomed over 17,000 participants and was record-breaking from the offset, including the biggest exhibition floor to date. The number of buyers increased from 2024, with 6,000 global buyers of which 4,700 were hosted buyers.
Buyers took part in over 90,000 scheduled meetings with exhibitors across the three days of the show—over 77,000 of which were pre-scheduled one-to-ones.
Proven, trackable ROI
The buyers came to the show business-ready, as Charlene Lopez from Discover Atlanta explains: “We love this show so much—it’s the one. I’ve said it multiple times—there’s more ROI from IMEX than any other show we attend all year. This is where business actually gets done. People come ready to talk details, explore fit and close deals. That’s why we doubled the size of our presence this year. Our partners make their money back tenfold.”
Juan Camacho from Virgin Voyages adds: “This show is where we’ve made some of our most valuable connections: our biggest client—worth over $3 million to our business—came directly from here. IMEX America is the single most important event for our slice of the industry and every year we see real ROI and repeat business.”
Purposeful and powerful
IMEX CEO Carina Bauer says: “This has been a record-breaking week where we’ve seen first-hand how transformative it is for our industry to meet face to face, to shake hands, do business and build bonds. The strength in numbers across the board is a sign of a sector that’s both purposeful and powerful right now.
“I’m delighted to announce that we’re building on a successful 2025 edition by solidifying our foundations for the future. We’ve signed contracts with MGM to host the show here at Mandalay Bay through to 2030 and also with our service contractors GES through to 2030 as well.
“These renewals give all our partners and clients added confidence and certainty for the future. In addition, we’ve confirmed our Strategic Partnership with MPI for the next five years.”
Design Matters
Carina closed by announcing the IMEX Talking Point for 2026/27. Design Matters will be a celebration of the craft and science of good design in all aspects of business life, not just visual identity or experiential design. It also acknowledges Frankfurt as the World Design Capital of 2026.
Carina was speaking at the show’s closing press conference alongside IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom; Steve Hill, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA); Stephanie Glanzer, Chief Sales Officer & Senior Vice President at MGM Resorts International and Rachel Benedick, Chief Revenue Officer, Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
IMEX America 2026 takes place October 13-15 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
