Denice Recaps “Awe-Inspiring” IMEX America 2014
IMEX America 2014 exceeded my expectations and has inspired me to reach out to prospects and clients for their upcoming meetings to share what I learned. I discovered so many opportunities for our associations and corporations looking to bring their meeting experience to a higher level. Tremendous exposure was provided on destinations that are sure to increase delegate attendance. Destinations that engage, while at the same time are cost effective.
The statistics, which are now available on the trade show’s website, illustrate that 2,909 hosted buyers attended IMEX America, travelling to Las Vegas from 52 countries in addition to the US and Canada. The energy and anticipation of all attendees could have created electricity enough to light up the city of Chicago…or so it seemed. 2,909 hosted buyers and 1,919 attendees (independent of the hosted program), totaled 4,800+ in-house corporate and association planners and the remainder from independent third-party planners, from all over the world. I was in complete amazement when the exhibit doors opened and revealed 2900 exhibitors from 150 countries.
IMEX allowed me to consistently keep my finger on the pulse of new hotel developments and airports that offer convenient travel connections. Clients who are interested in a specific destination won’t be far away from having the kind of meeting experience that leaves a lasting impression. If it’s an unspoiled island sanctuary you are looking for to host your next corporate sales meeting, I have a myriad of unique destinations in mind.
I came away equipped with information on cities and hotels in the United States that included Nashville, Kansas City, San Francisco, New York, and the lovely beach destinations of Fort Myers & Sanibel Island, just to name a few. I spent considerable time with the various Provinces in Canada. It didn’t stop there, I had appointments with the Italian National Tourist Board, German Convention Bureau, The Government Tourism Board of Colombia.
All-in-all, I attended sixteen appointments in two days and came away with a booster shot of knowledge to help me guide clients on meeting locations from intimate gatherings to large-scale conventions and one-of-a-kind destinations for incentive trips. I garnered a much greater knowledge to advise my clients on where to go to achieve maximum impact for their budget. Let’s talk about possible opportunities for your next meeting!
Thank you to NH Hotels USA for supporting PEC Meetings Company and for sponsoring us as a hosted buyer.
Looking forward to IMEX America 2016!
-Denice
photo credit: www.imexamerica.com
