In terms of increased floor space, Asia Pacific and Africa stand out as dominant regions. Morocco has doubled its size while Ho Chi Minh is exhibiting for the first time and bringing partners. The booths representing the Hong Kong and Japan Tourism Boards are at least twice as large as they were before.
The hotel industry is also making a strong business statement with a 23% expansion, including increases by Hilton and IHG, and US and Canadian exhibitors have increased by 19% in 2022.
The list of 65 new booths for 2023 includes participants such as Mexican Caribbean, Santa Clara (California), Greenville (South Carolina), Jio World Convention Centre (India), Explori, and Meow Wolf, the proprietors of Las Vegas’s Omega Mart and Area 15.
“The global business events industry never fails to surprise in its ability to recover quickly from a set-back. These figures are good news for the market and bode well for short-term business and, importantly, long-term positive economic impact”, says IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer. He further says that these expansions indicate a fundamental strength in a market that many believed would take at least three years or more to recover its pre-pandemic vigor.
Focus on innovation and experimentation
The emphasis on innovation, experimentation, and top-notch learning means that participants have plenty of options to choose from in between exhibitor meetings. A variety of theaters, a wellbeing wheel, the Google Xi CoLaboratory, and a special IMEX|EIC People and Planet Theater are all part of the WebEx-sponsored Inspiration Hub.
At IMEX America 2023, there are additional restaurants, snack bars, free water refill stations, seating areas, a Quiet Space Lounge, and a Resilience Room in partnership with The Neu Project and Marriott International. The event features 70,000+ planned meetings between 4000+ buyers and 3,400 exhibitors across 360+ booths, fostering a week of significant deal-making, networking, and professional growth.
Tags: Carina Bauer, IMEX America, global events
