Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group

Disney Destinations sponsored an "enLIGHTening" session during Smart Monday at IMEX America called "Finding the Next Steve Jobs." Speaker Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari Corp. and Chuck E. Cheese, shared insights on how to attract, hire, and nurture creative talent. Disney provided all attendees with "Glow With the Show" ears that interacted with Bushnell's presentation. Pictured, from left: Anne Hamilton, vice president, resort sales and services, Disney Destinations; Nolan Bushnell; and Fiona Pelham, managing director, Sustainable Events Ltd and Positive Impact, and Chairwoman Elect, Meeting Professionals International

The IMEX Challenge, a humanitarian initiative for the meetings industry that takes place every two years, served the Las Vegas community prior to IMEX America.

Judges Julius Solaris, Event Manager Blog (left), and Miguel Neves, IMEX Group (far right), congratulate winners of the IMEX America tech startup competition: Raphael Harmel, Speecheo (second from left), and Sean Holladay, Crowd Mics.

SITE Nite, organized by the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, is among the biggest networking parties during IMEX America. This year, SITE took over the Light nightclub at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino and drew a sold-out crowd of more than 1,200 guests. It was the hot spot for networking on the night before the opening of the IMEX America trade show. Photo courtesy of Christie's Photographic Solutions

MeetingsNet held its eighth annual CMI 25 Reception at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on the eve of IMEX America. Aureole restaurant’s Swan Court was a lovely setting in which to honor executives from North America’s largest corporate meeting and incentive companies. Over drinks and appetizers, colleagues and friends took some time to relax and enjoy their successes together. Here, with one of Swan Court’s signature fowl nearby, are Kevin Hinton, CEO, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence/Site Foundation (left); Betsy Bair, content director, MeetingsNet; and David Peckinpaugh, president and CEO of Maritz Travel Co. Photos courtesy of Christie's Photographic Solutions.

The Convention Industry Council rolled out the red carpet in Las Vegas for the 2014 Hall of Leaders Gala, honoring the meetings industry’s best and brightest. The event kicked off IMEX America for the second consecutive year, and was co-sponsored by MGM Resorts Event Productions, MGM Resorts International, IMEX Group, and other partners. Here CIC’s Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP, and 2014 chair of the CIC Board of Directors Bob Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, bookend the lineup of Hall of Leaders inductees and Pacesetter Award winners: Donnell Bayot, CPCE, CHE, CFBE, The International School of Hospitality (Pacesetter); Patti Shock, CPCE, CHT, UNLV/International School of Hospitality; Pam Sain, accepting on behalf of her husband Gary Sain, former president and CEO of Visit Orlando; John Christison, CFE, CMP, BCI+network; and Lindsay Arell, LEED AP O+M, Arell Logic (Pacesetter). Photo courtesy of the Convention Industry Council

Hall of Leaders Event Chair Terri Breining CMP, CMM, (left) and meetings industry educator and consultant Tyra Hilliard

The Meeting Design Institute held its Fresh Dinner during IMEX America at the Frank Gehry–designed Keep Memory Alive Event Center, an extraordinary meeting space. Under the soaring, 75-foot curved ceilings, Maarten Vanneste welcomed an interesting assortment of meeting planners, entrepreneurs, young professionals, and more for an evening of conversation and great food. Proceeds from all events held in the Center support the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Celebrating the Fresh Dinner contribution (from left): Maarten Vanneste, president of the Meeting Design Institute; Gina Sinclair and David Watt from the Keep Memory Alive Event Center; Janet Sperstad, Madison Area Technical College; Julius Solaris, Event Manager Blog; and Miguel Neves, IMEX Group. Photos by David Watts, courtesy of the Meeting Design Institute