“With research showing that gaining fresh insights is the top motivator for networking at events, there’s a need to reposition the education experience as one that connects people in meaningful ways and builds community.
“We’ve recognized this in designing the learning program for IMEX America this year and have rolled out new topics, new speakers and a new track—Community builders—in response.” Tahira Endean, Head of Programming at IMEX, introduces the show’s education program.
IMEX America’s learning line-up, which underpins the business and networking at the heart of the show, is now live online. Designed to both educate and entertain the global business event community, from seasoned veterans to first-timers, the 150+ session-strong program is packed with industry insights, trends, guidance and a few surprises.
Planners can mix and match what they attend by choosing from nine education tracks to find the learning journey that’s right for them.
Highlights
- Community builders: I matter: Your experience. With less than a quarter of employees believing that their company cares about their well-being, this session by Matthew Emerzian from the Every Monday Matters Foundation will detail how organizations can create human-centered experiences. “Mattering is at the intersection of human and business needs”, he says.
- Event logistics: Did you see that coming? Legal concerns in the face of rapid change. Government funding cuts, new restrictions on DEI initiatives and concerns over the impact of tariffs, are just some of the issues meeting professionals now need to navigate. In their session, Tyra Warner, from the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management at the College of Coastal Georgia, and Jill Blood, lead legal counsel at Maritz Global Events, will discuss the legal issues currently affecting the industry and share guidance on how to navigate this challenging environment.
- Experiential event design: Design transformative experiences rooted in storytelling. Our brains are hardwired for storytelling. That’s according to Jessica Weickert from creative experts XD Agency, and Mat Duerden, from the Experience Design and Management Department at Brigham Young University. Their session focuses on how to design transformative experiences using storytelling as a powerful tool to shape attitudes, drive behavior, and create memories.
- Impact: Legends of live events: 50 years of innovation, inspiration, and impact. Industry icons Marcy Manley, founder WPI Event Partners production company, and Jaki Baskow, founder of Baskow Talent agency (named “The Most Influential Woman in Entertainment in Las Vegas”), will share hard-earned insights and bold ideas from their decades in the sector. Their session covers the critical importance of understanding client needs when designing session content and how creative elements can transform events into unforgettable experiences.
- Leadership and culture: Coaching in power conversations: Sharpen your communication skills. Event professionals who want to elevate their next presentation and ensure their message resonates should join communication expert Jason Thomson for a 1:1 coaching session. Jason has helped leaders from Cirque du Soleil, C2 Montreal and IBM to communicate more effectively and persuasively.
- Marketing and engagement: LinkedIn social selling: Turning connections into contracts. “In today’s competitive events market, simply being on LinkedIn isn’t enough, you need a strategy that makes you visible to the right people, builds trust quickly, and turns conversations into opportunities,” says Richard Bliss. The social media coach will deliver a fast-paced and hands-on session.
- Tech innovation and AI: AI sales and marketing playbook. A practical session in which Greg Oates from travel and tourism consultants MMGY NextFactor will show how AI-driven campaigns are shortening sales cycles, along with examples of prompts and automation workflows that are driving results.
- Trends and research: Unpacking the latest Freeman Trends Report. Freeman’s Ken Holsinger will debut the organization's latest research in his session. He’ll uncover how both attendees and organizers define, value, and measure live event experiences today. Holsinger will reveal what’s working, what’s missing, and where there’s room to innovate, covering everything from immersive design and personalization to food, tech, and location. IMEX has partnered with Freeman on this latest study.
- Well-being: The longevity table: Ingredients & insights for event menus. Join Chef Peter Ghione as he showcases the ingredients used at Canyon Ranch wellness resorts to promote longevity and good health. He’ll explain why they work, how to integrate them into event menus, and strategies for collaborating with venues to design dishes that delight, nourish, and leave guests feeling their best.
Specialist Smart Monday sessions
All professional education at IMEX America is provided free of charge, including the show’s specialist events for association, corporate and agency planners taking place on Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on October 6.
The Unique Speaker Bureau International is also bringing together top-level speakers from around the world to Smart Monday. At the Unique Speaker Bureau International Speaker Showcase, Activating Impact 2.0 attendees can dip in to hear quick-fire speaker overviews throughout the day and potentially meet or source keynotes for their future events.
To help attendees maximize their time at the show, IMEX continues its work with Snapsight, Gevme’s AI powered tool, to provide quick and easy access to takeaways from the education sessions. These highlights, available online and via the app, will allow attendees to put aside their notebooks and be fully present and focused in the sessions.
The majority of IMEX learning sessions confer points toward Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or ICCASkills accreditations and CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional) Approval.
The IMEX America learning program is now live online. The show takes place October 7-9, at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and opens with Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on Monday October 6.
