Navigating IMEX America 2024: Insider Tips for a Successful Show

Join Miguel Neves, Andrea Doyle, and Barbara Scofidio as they discuss their personal experiences, offer valuable tips for navigating the show floor, and share strategies for maximizing your time at IMEX America 2024.

Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, this episode will guide you through everything from booking appointments and networking to surviving the whirlwind of Vegas. Tune in for expert advice and a look at what’s in store for this year’s IMEX America!

Key Points

• IMEX America 2024 is one of the largest shows in the meetings industry, with around 15,000 attendees.
• Skift Meetings will host its Innovation Lab, focusing on hot topics in the industry like budgets and rising costs.
• Key tips for attending IMEX include booking appointments in advance, being mindful of the show floor layout, and allowing time for transitions between meetings.
• Thursday is a quieter day, ideal for in-depth conversations.
• Networking is a crucial opportunity, with industry connections forming organically throughout the event.
• The shift towards comfortable dress codes, such as wearing branded sneakers, is noted.
• Several IMEX booths and activations offer interactive and creative ways to engage, including tech hubs, destination presentations, and wellness initiatives.
• Evening events and receptions are a critical part of the IMEX experience, often providing further networking opportunities.
• Advice for first-time attendees and introverts includes attending pre-show gatherings and taking breaks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Miguel Neves is joined by Andrea Doyle and Barbara Scofidio to discuss IMEX America 2024, one of the largest and most important events in the meetings industry. With around 15,000 attendees, IMEX America offers endless opportunities to network, learn, and connect. The team shares their personal tips for making the most of the event, emphasizing the importance of pre-scheduling appointments and being mindful of the show floor’s expansive layout.

Thursday is noted as a quieter, more relaxed day for deeper conversations, while earlier in the week is ideal for securing key meetings. The Skift Meetings team will also host the Innovation Lab, an exclusive event for planners to discuss pressing industry topics, such as rising costs and budgets. Additionally, there is a shift towards comfort in the industry, with branded sneakers replacing traditional formalwear on the show floor.

The episode highlights the interactive elements of IMEX, from destination presentations to unique activations, such as wellness areas and tech hubs. For those new to the show, the team offers practical advice, like taking time to familiarize yourself with the layout and joining first-timer gatherings to create early connections.

Outside the show floor, the vibrant evening events and receptions provide an informal atmosphere to continue networking and relationship-building. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned pro, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to navigating IMEX America 2024 and making the most of this major industry event.