You already know you can meet the world—exhibitors from 150 countries—in the aisles of the IMEX America exhibit halls at The Sands Expo & Convention Center at The Venetian/The Palazzo in Las Vegas October 15–17. But did you know there are many educational opportunities on the show floor as well? Here are just a few places you could go between appointments to boost your networking ROI from attending the show:
1. App Bar
Listen to 30-minute educational sessions on apps for the meeting industry—both those that can help you do your job (and help you ditch your binder full of BEOs) and those that your attendees will use to engage with your events. Then stick around for “playtime,” where you can ask questions and share with peers. Come with your tablet or borrow one of the iPads available on a first-come, first-served basis. The App Bar is open throughout the three-day event.
2. The IMEX/CIC Inspiration Center
IMEX is partnering with the Convention Industry Council to present educational sessions on hot topics such as RFPs, healthcare meeting professional certification, high-speed Internet access, and more. And not only are the topics innovative, the presentation is cutting edge as well. Some topics will be presented as “campfires,” which are intimate sessions for 12 participants or fewer. Others are presented as “lightning learning labs,” specifically for exhibitors who can duck out of their booths between appointments! In-depth seminars will be presented with thought leaders, while “research pods” will be small discussions with industry researchers on current studies.
3. Sustainability Hub
Powered by GMIC, the Green Meeting Industry Council, Sustainability Hub is “the greenest spot on the show floor.” Drop by to learn about environmental and social responsibility and how to apply sustainability practices to meetings and incentive travel programs. Educational sessions are planned on topics such as sustainable procurement, carbon measurement, collaborating with your meeting venue, the benefits of CSR, and why you need to know about human trafficking (the latter presented by MeetingsNet).
Off the show floor, of course IMEX America will again present Smart Monday, a day of education sessions October 14, organized in partnership with Meeting Professionals International. Presenters will cover topics such as communicating across cultures, risk management for international meetings, and moving from meeting operations to meeting management, in addition to “deep dive” sessions on sustainable meetings and leadership.
And Association Day, also October 14, launches with lunch and keynote speaker Tim Sanders. Concurrent sessions follow in three tracks: executive (presented by ASAE), global (presented by International Congress & Convention Association), and meetings (presented by the Professional Convention Management Association). The day concludes with Association Evening, for which registration is required.
Find out how to attend IMEX America as a buyer attendee or as a hosted buyer. Search the 2,500+ exhibitors here.
