If you’re an event professional you need to be at IMEX America! Every year IMEX America takes over Las Vegas bringing in thousands of event planners and professionals from throughout the world. IMEX is the heartbeat of the global business events community. The event includes over 3,500 exhibitors from 150 countries, truly making it a world showcase. With this year’s themes surrounding imagination, sustainability and event tech it’s not to be missed. Today we’re covering the best tips and events happening at IMEX America 2019. From what to wear, to what to do we have you covered! Let’s jump in.
How Can I Go to IMEX?
IMEX America is free for anyone to attend. You can register here. If you qualify and plan large events there are also options to apply as a hosted buyer. When you come as a hosted buyer all expenses are paid and in return, you commit to a set number of meetings with suppliers at IMEX.
Tips for Attending
What to Wear
During the day IMEX attendees are encouraged to dress business smart. For men, this could mean a sports jacket, button-downs, and dress pants. Women mainly wear jackets, dress pants, skirts, dresses, and nice shoes. Nighttime events vary from casual to cocktail so be sure to check the invites. Remember clothing is often your first chance to make an impression so dress your best!
It’s also a good idea to dress in layers, the inside of the Sands Expo Center and resort on the strip tend to run cold, but it’s still blazing in the Las Vegas sun. Temperatures are expected to be in the high 90’s during the day, after all, it is the desert! Bring layers so you are comfortable whereever you go.
There is a lot of walking involved in attending IMEX, the convention center is huge and the days are long. It is imperative to wear shoes you can walk in for hours. The last thing you want is to have foot pain throughout the day.
Connect Genuinely
As we mentioned before this one of the biggest events in the industry! So many great minds and talented #eventprofs will be here! This is your time to connect! But do so genuinely! This is the time to meet vendors and partners you could potentially work with for years to come, so be your authentic self and put your best foot forward. Remember quality over quantity and focus on key connections. Be social and don’t be afraid to reach out to others!
Take Care of Yourself
Take Intentional Breaks
We get it! There is so much to do and see at IMEX! You want to take it ALL in and don’t want to miss a thing! But event planner stress is real and running yourself into the ground is a much less enjoyable experience. Make sure to set time away for breaks. Be sure to stop into the Be Well Lounge to refresh with some guided meditation or just take a few moments of quiet to yourself!
Enjoy Vegas
While IMEX will take the majority of your time, it’s great to take a small trip off the show floor to enjoy Vegas! Go see one of the hundreds of shows (our favorites are Absinthe and Cirque Du Soleil’s, Beatles LOVE!), check out the iconic fountains at Bellagio, ride the High Roller, the worlds tallest observation wheel and take in the views of the city, or eat at one of the many world-class restaurants like Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres, Yardbird, or if you are feeling like trying a legendary buffet The Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan is 2nd to none! Need to get off the strip for a bit? Take a quick ride over to Freemont street! There is something for everyone in Vegas!
Move Your Body
IMEX cares about eventprofs well being, so they make sure to include it into their program. This year they will have Move your mind, body and soul Live, a workout program for all fitness types on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 7 am – 8 am PST. On Wednesday, September 11th they will also host the IMEX run, a fun 5K throughout Las Vegas.
What’s New at IMEX America?
The Discovery Zone
Brand new this year to IMEX America this discovery zone is designed for immersive activities and experiments. This new and unexpected area is not to be missed! In the discovery zone, you will find temporary tattoos, interactive photobooths, AR Experiences, and so much more. A place that welcomes innovation and trying new things. Tying perfectly into the 2019 show theme “imagination”
She Means Business
New to IMEX America, She Means Business is set to debut on Smart Monday. Celebrating women of the industry and inclusion She Means Business will cover the important issues facing women in the industry today. Speakers will cover topics surrounding pay gaps, work-life balance, inclusivity, female empowerment and why it all matters!
Things you can’t miss
#EventIcons LIVE from IMEX!
Our very own podcast, #EventIcons will be coming live to IMEX America! Every day, for three consecutive days, the podcast will be streaming live and covering the absolute best interviews with the most fabulous event profs straight from Las Vegas! This is the perfect chance to join our fantastic hosts as they sit down with the industry’s best. Learn, evolve, and expand your knowledge and creativity as they explore the issues surrounding the event world, and the trends to come! Check out the best from #EventIcons IMEX Frankfurt here!
Tune in from the 10th through the 12th of September at 2pm – 5pm PST, and enjoy three straight hours of the juiciest insights into the event industry, all the way from IMEX America! Don’t miss out and register here now!
Smart Monday
Powered by MPI Smart Monday is packed full of education. And most is free! With over 30 education sessions, keynote speakers, and hands-on workshops you can’t miss out! There are also opportunities to deep dive into topics to earn certificates in areas such as event marketing. Be sure to join our very own Will Curran at 10 am PST for the AV smackdown: third-party vs in-house and say hi! While smart monday is a fantastic place to sharpen your skills in the events industry, it’s not all education! Smart Monday also has opportunities to relax and take a break built into the schedule. If you do need a break we are looking forward to stopping into Paws for a Break because really, who doesn’t love dogs?
Site Nite
SITE Nite North America at KAOS at the Palms Casino is a great place to go and meet other event profs, IMEX described it as “networking on steroids” an event with the friendliest tribe in the business events community.” SITE night is not only a great place to meet and mingle but is for a great cause proceeds go to the SITE Foundation to fund research, education, and advocacy on behalf of the incentive travel industry.
MPI Foundation Rendezvous
Ever wanted to go to a Vegas night club and experience nightlife in Sin City? Look no further than the MPI Foundation’s Rendezvous! Located on top of the Cromwell, Drais Beachclub and Nightclub the glamorous Rendezvous will ensure you have the time of your life. Party way into the night with your favorite event profs and for a great cause at MPI’s largest networking and fundraising event of the year!
Take it All In
There is so much to do and see at IMEX America! You will be around the best people the event industry has to offer, so take a moment to soak it all in!
So there you have it! IMEX America is a fantastic place to learn and network with other like-minded event profs. It’s one of the best shows of the year! We hope you enjoyed our favorite ways to get the most out of IMEX America and learned something new! What are some of your best tips from attending? Let me know and we might add them to the article!
