US meetings and events trade show this fall

Talking about the timing and strategic importance of the launch of IMEX America, IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom said: “The US meetings and events market is the biggest in the world with the CIC’s Econo

Talking about the timing and strategic importance of the launch of IMEX America, IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom said: “The US meetings and events market is the biggest in the world with the CIC’s Economic Impact Study estimating its contribution to US GDP at US$106 billion, and a total economic output of US$907 billion. We all know that – along with most parts of the world – it has gone through some tough times in recent years, but April 2011 data from MPI’s Business Barometer confirms a solid recovery has been underway for over a year with attendance and spending surging during that time. So, even when you’re talking about securing small percentages of business from US buyers, this translates into huge dollars. This is why exhibitors want to come to IMEX America. They want a slice of this incredibly powerful market. The efficiency and reputation of IMEX’s approach and our ability to present large numbers of new and established destinations and suppliers from all over the world is also an extremely strong attraction for buyers.”

In addition to a recovering US meetings and events market, Bloom attributes the strong interest in IMEX America to the lure of Las Vegas as a meetings and conventions destination. “Las Vegas is made for business. It’s one of the world’s leading destinations for meetings and events and hosts over 20,000 meetings, conventions, and exhibitions per year. The city has a fantastic infrastructure and with 140,000 hotel rooms, we are unlikely to run out of high quality accommodation. Combine that with excellent transportation links from across the US, growing direct international links, and our partnership with the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA), and we are confident of a winning formula. Research shows that events that move to Vegas experience a 14% increase in attendance. More attendees means more potential business,” Bloom stated.

As testimony to the strategic importance of the IMEX America show for Las Vegas business, the show’s headquarters hotel, the Venetian/Palazzo, is extending an exceptional rate to show buyer attendees of US$129/night and a supplier rate of US$189/night for early birds and US$209/night thereafter (plus resort fee). Delta Airlines and the Star Alliance group are also offering special discounted airfares to participants.

This affordable lodging and travel price, along with free entry to the show and an unprecedented array of free education programs makes the ROI of IMEX America even stronger for industry professionals from the US and the world who want to attend.

Registration for IMEX America is now open at www.imexamerica.com/register .

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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