When the first edition of IMEX America opens its doors at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas on Oct.11, 2011, the trade show will be the largest this year—and the biggest U.S. hosted buyer event ever—to address the business, networking and educational needs of the U.S. meeting, incentive travel and event industry.

“We have spent almost two years communicating why the IMEX business model is different and precisely how and why it will benefit the meetings industry in the U.S. Business is at the heart of everything we do and the reason why we launched IMEX America in the first place. We believed that the U.S. needed a fresh trade show format, and I have every confidence that IMEX America will now deliver—on business volumes, buyer quality and numbers and exhibitor numbers and diversity,” said IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom. “What is more, with the help of our strategic partner and premier education provider, Meeting Professionals International, our education program is second to none. With unparalleled industry support, we’ve also been able to deliver an extraordinary 14 co-located trade association events. I’m confident that the sum of the parts is going to be greater than the whole, and I urge everyone in the meetings, events and incentive travel to come to Vegas and experience ‘the IMEX effect’ on their business goals for themselves."

Bruce MacMillan, president and CEO of MPI, says the association is excited to see IMEX come to life in Las Vegas. 

“We look forward to connecting with thousands of professionals through our innovative education programs and keynotes each day," MacMillan said. "We’re confident that attendees will find inspiring ideas they can act on at the show and throughout their careers—which is exactly the remarkable professional development MPI consistently delivers.”

There are currently more than 1,800 exhibitors representing 100 countries now affirmed and more than 90 live educational events confirmed.