IMEX Group has said that recent activity in the lead-up to October’s IMEX America is encouraging its confidence in the industry’s post-pandemic return.
According to IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer, both exhibitors and buyers have been navigating their way back into the market, and recent exhibitions have helped business reset for the future.
Bauer added, “Now, [IMEX] moves into a new phase with sights firmly set on 2023, 2024 and beyond.”
“Yes, there are challenges, but we believe—and recent experience proves—that the best way to tap into business is to keep showing up to promote. The phrase ‘if you don’t go, you won’t know’ has never been more fitting.”
According to the group, in the past several weeks IMEX America has signed contracts with and received enquiries from suppliers who were either not ready or not able to take part in 2021’s autumn show.
Repeat business from a range of big and familiar brands in the industry has returned, while the current pipeline of new enquiries is also ‘healthy and encouraging'.
Redesigned education
IMEX Group has stated that, based on feedback combined with current learning trends and industry intelligence, the show’s education tracks have been redesigned and themed – this theme being “Pathways to Clarity.”
The theme will address the confusion and complexity present in post-pandemic life. It aims to provide attendees with tools, insights, and lessons to help them move forward in both the industry and day-to-day.
IMEX America’s team has reduced the number of education tracks from 10 to four, with each taking place in dedicated education theatres for ease of both planning and attending. The four new tracks are titled ‘Respect for People and Planet’, ‘Future Self’, ‘Innovation and Creativity’, and ‘Event Planner Toolkit’.
Returning to tradition, MPI’s Smart Monday will be held the day before the IMEX America trade show opens, on Monday 10 October.
