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Navigate IMEX America Like a Pro: An Insider’s Guide
Destination ManagementEvent PlanningIncentive TravelVenue Sourcing

Navigate IMEX America Like a Pro: An Insider’s Guide

By September 6, 2024January 28th, 2025No Comments

Navigate IMEX America Like a Pro

An Insider’s Guide

by Michelle Morin, SHW Site Sourcing & Housing Manager

IMEX America is fast approaching! This highly anticipated annual trade show is renowned for uniting professionals and suppliers from the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry. Keep in mind, attending IMEX America is more of a marathon than a sprint. With over 3,000 exhibitors, planning ahead is crucial. To help you make the most of your experience, here are our Top 10 Tips for maximizing your time at IMEX America:

  1. Set a Goal: Consider your reasons for attending and plan your schedule accordingly. That way, you’ll walk away with valuable insights and connections that align with your purpose for attending.
  2. Book Your Meetings in Advance: Suppliers’ schedules fill up quickly, so before you arrive, secure time with those you can’t afford to miss.
  3. Pack a Power Bank: Keep your devices charged so you can stay connected and on top of your schedule while on the move.
  4. Bring Business Cards: Physical cards are still the go-to, even in a digital age. Keep them handy for quick exchanges.
  5. Download the App: When you arrive, stay organized with the official IMEX America app, which provides schedules, floorplans, and helpful updates.
  6. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Trust us on this one. While dressing to impress is important, comfortable footwear is key for surviving a long day on your feet.
  7. Explore the Exhibit Hall Early: The expansive show floor can be overwhelming, so give yourself some time on day one to walk the floor, get your bearings, discover suppliers you hadn’t initially planned to connect with, and make a plan.
  8. Meet with Current Partners: Use the opportunity to meet with suppliers you’re already working with and set aside time for short work sessions to finalize any outstanding items.
  9. Be Strategic About Your Appointments: Schedule meetings with exhibitors located near each other to maximize engagement opportunities. This will help you minimize travel time on foot, reduce stress, and allow for more productive, focused conversations throughout the day.
  10. Pace Yourself: Don’t overbook yourself! With so much ground to cover and conversations to have, stay hydrated, block time in your calendar to eat lunch, pack snacks, and locate quiet spaces where you can recharge between meetings.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to navigate IMEX America like a pro!

Michelle Morin is a seasoned event professional with extensive experience in venue sourcing and procurement and housing management. Over the years, she’s attended IMEX America multiple times, enabling SHW to stay ahead of industry trends, discover emerging destinations, and help clients make informed venue sourcing decisions. Learn how SHW can help you take the guesswork out of venue procurement and hotel sourcing.