USA - IMEX America has claimed more than 1,500 exhibiting companies will attend its inaugural show stateside at the Sands Expo 11-13 October.
IMEX Group said demand has enabled it to book a second hall at the Las Vegas venue, with 100 countries represented.
Interest from Latin American exhibitors has been strong, IMEX claimed, with Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and Panama all committed.
Organisers hope to deliver the largest hosted buyer programme ever in North America and forecast they will bring 2,000 buyers to the show. Eighty per cent are expected to come from North America and 20 per cent from the rest of the world. To qualify, buyers have to place business in both domestic and international markets in order to attend.
“The demand has been outstanding and we are looking forward to delivering a truly international show for the US market come October,” said IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom. He noted the strategic partnership with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) had been instrumental in delivering the message to the industry.
“MPI,” said Bloom, “will be key to underpinning the educational elements of the show through the MeetDifferent Day of Education and Innovation and their Power Keynotes each morning.”
MPI President and CEO Bruce MacMillan added: "Our joint vision of creating the pre-eminent global exhibition and innovation experience for the meeting and event industry in the US is already exceeding our expectations. Along with power keynotes every morning, the addition of MPI-designed mobile technology applications for IMEX America will enhance show-floor value for attendees, as well as connecting the IMEX America experience to meeting and event professionals everywhere."
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