The 15th edition of IMEX America opens today (October 13), welcoming the global business events community to Las Vegas for three days of meetings, professional development and connection.
Strong international demand has driven this year’s show, the largest edition yet by floor space following a 5% expansion compared to 2025, with the total number of registered buyers and exhibiting companies both ahead of last year.
Global momentum
Hosted buyer registrations have also exceeded 2025 levels, led by the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK and Brazil.
On the supplier side, almost a quarter of returning booths have increased their space, leading to increases across several global regions. Latin America leads the way with a 26% increase, followed by Africa (25%), Asia Pacific (15%) and the Middle East (12%). Individual destination growth includes Mexico and Buenos Aires, South Africa, Japan and Egypt, plus the return of global exhibitors Hong Kong, Korea, Rwanda and India.
IMEX CEO, Carina Bauer, explains: “We're seeing increased participation from suppliers across multiple regions, reflecting the global nature and increasing significance of the business events industry. The growth in booth space demonstrates exhibitors' continued commitment to being present and standing out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”
Hotels have likewise strengthened their presence at the show. Among the expansions are Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Omni Hotels and Resorts and Hyatt Inclusive Collection.
Exhibitors bring event design to life
Across the show floor, exhibitors are bringing the principles of Design Matters, IMEX's Talking Point, to life with a range of immersive booth experiences. Activations range from personalized fragrance labs (Visit Arlington), a live art installation (Meet Sarasota) to a well-being lounge (Hyatt), a silent disco (Show Gear) and hands-on AI workshops (ExpoPlatform).
Together, they reflect a broader shift towards experiences that are interactive, sensory-led and designed to leave attendees with ideas they can take back to their own events.
Carina continues:
"There's a palpable sense of energy and anticipation around this year's show. Seeing buyers, destinations, venues, hotels and suppliers coming together from all corners of the world is a powerful reminder of just how much value businesses and associations place on meeting in person.
"At a time when, according to Microsoft, we’re interrupted by a meeting, email or chat every two minutes during core working hours, the chance to focus on each other and be at an event together has definable value and ROI. That's how we as humans build trust, share ideas and progress business. We know it and, importantly, we feel it too!
"The creativity, international representation and collaborative spirit on display this week are a timely reminder of the value business events continue to deliver for organizations, communities and national economies around the world."
IMEX America is currently taking place October 13 – 15 at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
Notes to editors:
- IMEX America is taking place at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, October 13–15, 2026.
- Latest news and photography: https://america.imexevents.com/press-and-media
- Show photos gallery for 2026
Photos L - R:
IMEX America show floor—download photo here
Welcome to IMEX America—download photo here
