Record-breaking business activity, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to the future of the meetings industry.
Katherine and David Markham, along with partners of the ConventionPlanit.com team, joined meeting professionals, destinations, hospitality partners, and industry leaders at IMEX America 2026, held October 13–15 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
The 15th edition of IMEX America brought the global meetings and events industry together for a record-breaking gathering filled with business opportunities, fresh perspectives, and conversations focused on what’s next. With thousands of scheduled appointments and a strong emphasis on meaningful connections, this year’s event offered an encouraging picture of an industry moving forward with purpose.
Record-Breaking Connections and Business Opportunities
IMEX America 2026 welcomed more than 17,800 participants, including over 6,000 buyers, with approximately 4,800 hosted buyers.
The largest edition in the show’s history generated an impressive 96,000 scheduled meetings, representing 48,000 hours of business conversations. That included 82,000 one-to-one meetings and 14,000 group appointments and booth presentations.
Beyond the impressive numbers, the event demonstrated the continued value of face-to-face engagement. From discovering new destinations and strengthening existing partnerships to discussing future meetings and conventions, IMEX provided opportunities for connections that can translate into business for years to come.
In fact, some of the opportunities discussed at this year’s show involved meetings planned as far ahead as 2030, reinforcing the importance of building relationships well before an event reaches the contracting stage.
Investing in the Next Generation
While business development remained a central focus, IMEX America also highlighted the importance of developing the industry’s future workforce.
The launch of the Brian D. Stevens Hospitality Education Fund introduced new support for student scholarships and industry research. Meanwhile, IMEX and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) presented a redeveloped Future Leaders Lab, designed to attract students from a broader range of academic disciplines and expand opportunities for emerging professionals globally.
These initiatives reflect an important priority for the meetings industry: creating pathways for new talent while encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.
For meeting professionals, investing in future leaders means more than filling positions. It helps ensure the industry continues to evolve with the creativity, skills, and expertise needed to meet changing expectations.
The Power of Personal Connections
Even as technology continues to reshape how meetings are planned and delivered, the importance of human connection remains central to the industry’s success.
That message was reflected throughout IMEX America 2026, where business opportunities, educational experiences, and industry conversations emphasized the value of bringing people together.
IMEX CEO Carina Bauer noted the optimism evident across the show floor and the importance of well-prepared buyers and exhibitors creating meaningful business opportunities.
For planners and suppliers alike, the takeaway is clear: technology, innovation, and new ideas can enhance the meeting experience, but strong relationships remain essential to successful events.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As the meetings industry prepares for another year of opportunities and challenges, IMEX America 2026 offered encouraging signs of continued momentum.
The combination of record business activity, investment in emerging talent, and a renewed focus on meaningful connections demonstrates an industry that is not simply responding to change but actively shaping its future.
For ConventionPlanit.com, participating in gatherings like IMEX America reinforces the value of connecting meeting professionals with destinations, venues, and industry partners.
The next opportunities to gather are already on the calendar:
IMEX Frankfurt: May 11–13, 2027
IMEX America: September 28–30, 2027, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
As we look toward 2027, one thing remains certain: the relationships built today help create the successful meetings of tomorrow.
