Event Recap: MPISCC at IMEX by Janet Green

This past November 2021, as an international meeting industry, we gathered for the first time since 2019 in Las Vegas for IMEX. The international meeting community was relieved when the travel bans to the U.S. from Europe and worldwide were lifted on November 8, before IMEX was to open on Tuesday, November 9. IMEX drew over 8,500 attendees, including 3,420 buyers and 2,200 exhibitors from more than 200 countries.

 

I was a hosted buyer by the EIC - Events Industry Council. It was so incredible to see everyone and experience IMEX in person once again. You could feel the excitement in the air, and I loved seeing old friends and meeting new friends! One requirement as a hosted buyer is to take six to eight appointments on show days. I traveled over 30,000 steps every day. Next time it's tennis shoes for me!

 

A common expression heard through the hallways was, " We are ready to get back to business." IMEX stressed the importance of on-site meetings with suppliers and vendors in person, as there was no coinciding virtual broadcast component to set up appointments. Instead, they had a high-tech area with all the virtual platform companies like Hopin, Swapcard, Cvent, and MeetingPlay showcasing their products. 

 

Common threads throughout the show and education sessions were the health and safety measures/protocols, inclusivity, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and mental health. One of the best sessions I attended on SMART Monday was the meditation and focus session. SMART Monday is a free day of education powered by MPI. The other education session was about Women in the Meetings Industry with a distinguished panel of six women.

On the bus back to the airport on Thursday night, I reflected on my experience at IMEX. Even though I was exhausted, it was worth the trip. The people and energy of the convention floor revitalized my hope that we are turning the corner on the pandemic. If we take the necessary steps to keep us safe, we can meet again.