Impact
A bigger and stronger platform
IMEX America 2025 recorded 17,633 participants, 6,145 buyers, 3,700 exhibiting companies and 92,000 meetings.
Notable exhibitors
Companies exhibiting at IMEX America 2026 include (Sustainability Pavilion), *- Jennifer Collins, Preferred Hotels & Resorts - America West, North West & Canada, -45dB, 1 Hotel Nashville and 1 Hotel South Beach.
- (Sustainability Pavilion)
- *- Jennifer Collins, Preferred Hotels & Resorts - America West, North West & Canada
- -45dB
- 1 Hotel Nashville
- 1 Hotel South Beach
Event overview
Overview
IMEX America 2026 takes place at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas from 13 to 15 October 2026, preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on 12 October. The international B2B show connects meeting and event planners, association executives, incentive-travel buyers and corporate event professionals with destinations, convention bureaus, hotels, venues, cruise lines, airlines, event-technology providers and event-management specialists.
The organiser markets the 2026 show around 3,700-plus destinations, venues and suppliers from 80 countries and 6,000-plus decision-makers. Attendance is free for meeting professionals, subject to registration.
Attendee hours are 09:30–17:30 on 13–14 October and 09:30–16:00 on 15 October.
TL;DR
- 1North American Meetings Marketplace: IMEX America 2026 runs 13–15 October at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas — the continent's leading B2B meetings and events show.
- 2Smart Monday Education: Free MPI-powered professional development on 12 October from 08:30–18:00 precedes three trade-show days.
- 3Global Supplier Density: Organiser markets 3,700-plus destinations, venues and suppliers from 80 countries meeting 6,000-plus decision-makers.
- 4Verified Commercial Scale: The 2025 edition recorded 17,633 participants, 6,145 buyers, 3,700 exhibiting companies and 92,000 meetings.
- 5Free Professional Access: Meeting and event planners register free; show hours are 09:30–17:30 Tue–Wed and 09:30–16:00 Thu.
Why visit
Meeting and event professionals can compare destinations, hotels, venues, event technology and specialist services, schedule supplier meetings and access professional education. Attendance is free for meeting professionals after registration. Smart Monday takes place on 12 October, followed by the trade show from 13–15 October 2026.
Why exhibit
IMEX America connects destinations, venues, hospitality groups, transport providers, event-technology companies and event specialists with meeting planners and incentive-travel buyers. The organiser reports 6,145 buyers and 92,000 meetings at the 2025 edition. Current booth prices are not listed here; prospective exhibitors should use the official inquiry route.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Corporate Meeting & Event Planning Directors
Association & Non-Profit Event Executives
Incentive Travel & Rewards Programme Managers
Destination Management & Event Agency Leaders
Hotel & Venue Procurement Specialists
Event Technology & Hybrid Experience Strategists
Corporate Travel & Meetings Procurement Managers
Sustainability & Responsible Event Programme Leads
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
National, Regional & City Convention Bureaus
Hotel Groups, Resorts & Conference Venues
Airlines, Cruise Lines & Transportation Providers
Event Technology, Registration & Hybrid Platforms
Destination Management & Professional Event Services
Incentive Travel & Rewards Programme Specialists
Entertainment, Team-Building & Experience Design Agencies
Event Marketing, Branding & Creative Production Studios
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Destinations, DMOs & Convention Bureau Services
Hotels, Resorts & Conference Venue Facilities
Event Technology, Registration & Hybrid Platforms
Airlines, Cruise Lines & Group Travel Services
Destination Management & Professional Event Services
Incentive Travel, Rewards & Experience Programmes
Smart Monday Education & MPI Professional Development
Sustainability & Responsible Event Solutions
Entertainment, Team-Building & Group Experience Providers
Event Marketing, Branding & Creative Services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas 89119, USA
Attend
Entry & tickets
Trade-only
Free registration
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
Attendees:9:30 AM – 5:30 PM on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October
9:30 AM –4:00 PM on Thursday 15 October 2026
Smart Monday education:8:30 AM – 6:00 PM on 12 October
Exhibitors may access the hall from07:00 Tuesday and 08:00 Wednesday–Thursday
General admission
Free to attend for qualifying meeting professionals; registration and category eligibility apply.
Free
Ticket info
Badge collection
Create or use an IMEX account and register in the appropriate category: hosted buyer, buyer attendee, press, student or academic faculty. Hosted buyers commit to pre-scheduled meetings; check the registration page for badge collection instructions.
Ticket notes
Free for qualifying meeting, event and incentive travel professionals. Hosted buyer eligibility and benefits are separate from general attendee registration. Smart Monday (12 October) is a free MPI-powered education day.
Minimum age
Industry professionals; category verification applies at registration.
Build-up & tear-down
Setup starts13 Oct 2026
Teardown ends15 Oct 2026
Who runs the show
Organisers
Regent Exhibitions Ltd.
Organiser
What's on
Programme
7
Session
1
Event days
11:05–15:30
Typical time
Official agenda Updated Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026
This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.
Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026
11:05 – 11:35
Connection is the goal: here’s how to get there
Session
BaysideEncore, B4387
11:10 – 11:50
The Freeman Trends Report: understanding the participant journey
Session
Inspiration HubIdeas Theater, B4100
11:30 – 12:10
Ctrl Alt Delete: rebooting the first blended event 10 years later
Session
IMEX Tech EducationSessions, B4686
12:45 – 13:30
Cost or investment: what's your event?
Session
BaysideMore than experience theater, D3305
14:00 – 14:25
Mindful designs can change the world
Session
Inspiration HubCurious Minds Theater, B4100
14:30 – 14:55
Be the first: why being bold builds the strongest version of you
Session
Inspiration HubPerspectives Theater, B4100
15:00 – 15:30
Mindset shakeup: The power of positivity
Session
Inspiration HubPerspectives Theater, B4100
Topic tracks
ImpactLeadership and CultureEvent Design and LegislationTech Innovation and AIMarketing and Engagement
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Current edition
2026
The organiser markets 3,700-plus destinations, venues and suppliers from 80 countries and 6,000-plus decision-makers for 2026; no total attendance forecast is recorded.
Forecast — not final
Visitors
17,633
Exhibitors
3,700
Edition #
14
Growth over time
Next edition outlook
2026-10-13 – 2026-10-15unknown
IMEX America 2026 is confirmed for 13–15 October at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, with Smart Monday on 12 October. The organiser markets 3,700+ destinations, venues and suppliers and 6,000+ decision-makers. Confidence remains unknown because verified 2026 attendance and meeting totals will not be available until after the show — the 2025 edition recorded 17,633 participants and 92,000 meetings as the benchmark.
Smart Monday MPI education day on 12 October precedes the three-day trade show Pre-scheduled buyer meetings remain the core format — 2025 recorded 92,000 meetings
Exhibitor outcomes
Real business growth
IMEX America 2025 recorded 17,633 participants, 6,145 buyers, 3,700 exhibiting companies and 92,000 meetings — a meeting-first format that maximises qualified conversations. Exhibitors connect destinations, venues and event suppliers with meeting planners and incentive-travel buyers across the Americas.
Intelligence
Exhibitors
Directory updated 2026-09-30
3,700
Exhibitors
—
Categories
—
Countries
—
Pavilions
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Pre-scheduled buyer meetings at scale
IMEX America's meeting-first format recorded 92,000 pre-scheduled meetings at the 2025 edition — the industry trend toward structured appointment scheduling over walk-up booth traffic.
SourceSustainability and purposeful events
IMEX positions itself around 'purposeful meetings' and sustainable event practice — destinations and venues showcase ESG credentials alongside capacity and connectivity.
SourceEvent technology and hybrid engagement
Event technology exhibitors span registration, engagement, streaming and ROI measurement — reflecting planner demand for data-driven event design.
SourceIncentive travel and luxury experiences
IMEX connects incentive travel buyers with DMCs, luxury hotels and experience providers — a growing segment as companies invest in employee and client reward travel.
SourcePlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Harry Reid International Airport
Primary airport for Las Vegas; the organiser describes Mandalay Bay as a short car ride from the airport.
Approximately 3 miles (5 km)
to venue
Short car ride; time varies with traffic.
by car
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
IMEX buyer transfer
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forSelected hotels to Mandalay Bay
Morning and evening transfers operate Tuesday 13 through Thursday 15 October for eligible buyers; consult the official travel page for selected hotels and times.
Bus
Estimated costFrom USD 6
Best forLas Vegas Strip to Mandalay Bay
The official travel page lists the Deuce bus as operating 24 hours along the Strip and stopping outside Mandalay Bay.
Tram
Estimated costFree
Best forExcalibur to Mandalay Bay
The official travel page lists the MGM tram between Excalibur and Mandalay Bay.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US visitor visa or Visa Waiver Program authorization, as applicable | Requirements depend on nationality, travel document and purpose; check official US government guidance. | Not yet confirmed |
Weather
October in Las Vegas is warm and dry — typical averages show daytime highs around 28–30°C (82–86°F), overnight lows around 15–17°C (59–63°F) with very little rainfall. Mandalay Bay halls are heavily air-conditioned; dress in layers for the contrast between outdoor heat and indoor cooling. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the large show floor and Strip transfers.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US carriers T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon provide strong 4G/5G across the Las Vegas Strip and Mandalay Bay. International visitors can use roaming or buy a US prepaid SIM at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). MGM Resorts is the official IMEX housing partner — hotel Wi-Fi supports buyer meeting scheduling. The 24-hour Deuce bus and free MGM tram connect Mandalay Bay with other Strip properties.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
US Dollar (USD) and tipping
The US dollar (USD) is used throughout Las Vegas. Cards are accepted everywhere; tipping (15–20%) is customary for taxi, restaurant and hotel service staff.
Meeting-professional registration
IMEX America is free for qualified meeting professionals but registration and category verification apply. Smart Monday (12 October) is a separate free education day powered by MPI — register for both if attending the full week.
Buyer meeting culture
IMEX is built around pre-scheduled buyer meetings — the 2025 edition recorded 92,000 meetings. Pre-book appointments through the IMEX platform before arrival; walk the floor between confirmed slots.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LAS
Primary gateway airport for Las Vegas; drive route to Mandalay Bay via E Tropicana Ave per Google Maps directions capture.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateway: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is a short car ride from the airport — use the official IMEX America travel page for current arrival guidance, designated pickup areas and any updated resort-access instructions. Show registration is required to access MGM negotiated-rate booking links.
Hotel → venue: IMEX America buyer transfers serve selected hotels on show mornings and evenings (Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15 October). On the Strip, the 24-hour Deuce bus stops outside Mandalay Bay. The free MGM tram connects Excalibur and Mandalay Bay; Mandalay Bay, Four Seasons, Delano and the convention centre are linked by indoor walkways (allow about 10–15 minutes on foot from adjacent properties).
Ride-hail: Use designated airport and resort pickup areas for taxis and app-based services. Check current official Mandalay Bay and IMEX travel instructions before each journey — pickup zones can change during large events on the Strip.
Public transit: The organiser lists the 24-hour Deuce bus along the Las Vegas Strip (stops outside Mandalay Bay) and the free MGM tram between Excalibur and Mandalay Bay. RTC transit day passes may suit multi-day Strip travel; confirm current routes and fares on the RTC website.
Parking: Check Mandalay Bay's official website for current self-parking and valet terms, daily rates and any event-period restrictions before driving to the show.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October
Packing: Check an official Las Vegas forecast shortly before travel; wear comfortable shoes for the large show floor.
Plan your trip
Planning
T-14
Confirm event registration, badge rules, and trade-only entry requirements. — Use official registration/ticket source first.
T-13
Check passport validity, visa eligibility, invitation letter needs, and travel insurance.
T-12
Book flights or rail arrival with enough buffer before the first planned show day.
T-11
Reserve accommodation near the venue or on a direct public-transport route.
T-10
Shortlist target halls, product categories, exhibitors, and conference sessions.
T-9
Request meetings with priority exhibitors, partners, distributors, or buyers.
First-timer guide
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 5
What is your primary meetings-industry objective for Las Vegas?
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- IMEX America
- The leading North American B2B trade show for meetings, events, incentive travel and the global business-events supply chain, held annually in Las Vegas.
- Smart Monday
- The free education day powered by MPI on the eve of IMEX America — professional development sessions for meeting planners before the three-day trade show opens.
- DMO (Destination Management Organisation)
- A convention bureau or tourism authority promoting a city, region or country as a meetings and events destination — a core exhibitor category at IMEX.
- Incentive travel
- Reward and recognition travel programmes used by companies to motivate employees, partners or sales teams — a dedicated buyer segment at IMEX America.
- MPI (Meeting Professionals International)
- The global association for meeting and event professionals that partners with IMEX to deliver Smart Monday education programming.
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Trust footer
Sources
10
References
3
Publishers
0
Date checked
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MGM Resorts
3
U.S. Department of State
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.