Planning to Attend IMEX America? Here’s How to Maximize Your Time

Each fall, thousands of event professionals gather in Las Vegas for IMEX America, the largest trade show for the global meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) industry. IMEX is unique because it brings together industry leaders for top-notch education, an industry-leading expo featuring participants from across the globe, and unprecedented networking opportunities. It’s a way for professionals to connect with partners, discover new solutions, and sharpen your event planning strategy for the year ahead.

But with so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you maximize your IMEX experience, so you leave feeling inspired and with actionable insights.

1. Set Your Event Goals Before You Go

Walking into IMEX without clear objectives is like entering a grocery store hungry. You’ll come out with plenty, but not necessarily what you need. Start by clarifying your event goals.

• Are you focused on venue sourcing for an upcoming user conference?
• Are you looking for corporate event planning services that align with your growth strategy?
• Are you interested in top event trends for 2025 and how to apply them to incentive travel or employee recognition programs?

Once you’ve defined your goals, tailor your schedule accordingly. Build your calendar around these priorities rather than filling it with every possible meeting. Ask yourself: How will this session, exhibitor, or meeting support my 2025/2026 event planning strategy?

This intentional approach ensures that every conversation at IMEX connects back to your broader business outcomes, not just your to-do list.

2. Use the Planning Tools

IMEX provides a suite of event planning tools to help you navigate the show. Don’t wait until you arrive in Las Vegas to use them.

• Appointment Scheduling: Hosted buyers can secure key meetings with suppliers early through the IMEX scheduler. High-demand partners book up quickly, so block time in advance.
• Education Pre-Registration: After you register, you can review the education program and lock in your must-attend sessions. Whether you’re interested in AI in events or sustainable practices, IMEX education is world-class. Plus, you can add to and download your schedule directly from the IMEX America website.
• Smart Monday: Arrive early to take advantage of a complimentary day of learning, powered by Meetings Professionals International (MPI). View the full calendar of events and elevate your skills.
• Hosted Buyer Program: If you qualify, apply for the hosted buyer program. It’s a fantastic way to maximize value and extend your budget.

IMEX America is ripe with opportunities for any planner, so organizing your time in advance is critical.

3. Do Your Homework on Exhibitors and Attendees

The IMEX exhibitor list is a goldmine for planners. With hundreds of destinations, venues, and vendors represented, preparation is essential.

• Shortlist vendors that align with your event portfolio. If you know you’ll need a DMC in Asia or an emerging event tech partner, identify them now.
• Prepare intentional questions: ask about capabilities, pricing, sustainability practices, and availability for your event dates.
• Explore international suppliers: IMEX is one of the few places where you can have back-to-back conversations with global partners, which could save you weeks of outreach.

Think of it as speed dating for your event planning strategy. You want to walk away knowing which vendors are the right long-term fits for your organization.

4. Build in Time for Discovery and Trends

While planning is critical, some of the best IMEX moments happen serendipitously. Build buffer time into your schedule to explore.

• Visit innovation zones and experiential activations while in the convention center. These areas often showcase innovative event ideas and future-focused solutions.
• Look for trends in event management, incentive travel, and strategic event planning. For example, last year’s hot topics that our team noticed included personalization, sustainability, and welcoming Gen Z to the industry. This year, AI integration and immersive experiences are sure to dominate.
• You’ll be dazzled by what you see at the expo. Take pictures on the show floor to capture creative inspiration you can translate into your own meetings.

Bring your comfy shoes and feel free to get lost on the show floor (figuratively, of course!). There’s so much to explore, and this discovery time can spark the ideas that differentiate good events from unforgettable ones.

5. Plan for Networking Beyond the Expo Floor

Some of the most valuable connections you’ll make at IMEX won’t happen in a booth. They’ll happen at receptions, dinners, and off-site gatherings.

• SITE NITE: Bishop-McCann is proud to sponsor SITE NITE, one of the premier networking events of IMEX. It’s a can’t-miss opportunity to connect with incentive travel leaders from around the globe.
• Mixers & Receptions: From DMC-hosted parties, hotel-sponsored happy hours, or the annual MPI Foundation Rendezvous, these informal settings are where real conversations happen.
• Roundtables & Industry Gatherings: Look for opportunities to engage in small-group discussions with peers facing similar challenges.

Pro tip: Enter networking events with a mindset of giving first. Share an insight, introduce two colleagues, or recommend a resource. When you contribute value, you’ll build relationships that last well beyond Las Vegas.

6. Capture Insights and Organize for Action

IMEX can feel like a firehose of information. To turn insights into action, create a system before you go.

• Use a structured note-taking template to capture ideas, contacts, and next steps. Connect on LinkedIn with new colleagues in the moment to ensure you don’t miss an opportunity.
• Schedule a post-show debrief with your internal team. Share takeaways, delegate follow-up, and match new solutions to your existing event planning challenges.
• Create a “what to pilot” list for 2025. Whether it’s a new event technology, a sustainability practice, or an incentive destination, decide how you’ll test these ideas within your programs.

This discipline ensures that IMEX isn’t just an inspiring experience, but a strategic accelerator for your corporate event planning services.

7. Leverage IMEX as a Strategic Investment

Ultimately, IMEX is more than a trade show. It’s a business strategy tool. By approaching it with clear goals, structured planning, and intentional networking, you’ll walk away with insights and partnerships that elevate your event portfolio. For planners, IMEX is a chance to step back from day-to-day execution and think strategically about the future of corporate events.

At Bishop-McCann, we see IMEX as a way to refine our role as one of the best corporate event planners in the world. We use the show to strengthen our partnerships, deepen our expertise, and bring back new solutions for our clients.

Attending IMEX America is an investment of time and resources, but when approached strategically, the return is immense. You’ll discover new venues, uncover top 2025 event trends, connect with innovative partners, and refine your event planning strategy for companies in meaningful ways.

So as you prepare for IMEX America, remember: it’s not about how much you see, but about the clarity and connections you gain. And don’t forget those comfy shoes!

Ready to make the most of IMEX America and beyond? Let’s plan an unforgettable meeting, incentive, or event together. Connect with Bishop-McCann’s event planning experts today and discover how our team can help you translate IMEX insights into extraordinary experiences.