IMEX America 2026: Great Conversations, New Opportunities, and Planning for What's Next

Every year, attending IMEX America just makes me love the events and hospitality scene even more. Being around people who are genuinely passionate about their work is so energizing and reminds me why I got into this career in the first place.

This time around, I had a big mission at IMEX: finding destinations, hotels, convention facilities, and event partners for ISM World 2029 and beyond. With plans to expand our event portfolio, my schedule was jam-packed, and there was so much to check out.

Exploring Destinations and Thinking Bigger

One of the coolest parts of IMEX is chatting with hotel and destination reps to discover what makes their cities and venues special. Each conversation gives me a glimpse into the culture and unique offerings of a place, and I love soaking up all those insights.

We’re looking at major convention hotspots like San Diego and Boston, plus teaming up with convention centers and hotels, and checking out standalone options in cities like Long Beach, Columbus, Orlando, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Dallas, and Louisville. We’re diving into different markets and venue setups to find the best fit and value.

During my talks, I really enjoyed uncovering the unique partnerships between cities, creative destination incentives, and chances for multi-year agreements that could benefit us as we plan for the future. While proposals can give you the numbers on square footage, rates, and concessions, a good conversation often reveals so much more about collaboration and innovation.

The People Make the Experience

While I appreciated all the productive meetings, some of my favorite moments happened outside the scheduled appointments. Reconnecting with industry friends and meeting new folks during spontaneous encounters added a personal touch to my experience.

From fun hosted experiences like a Lip Smacking Foodie Tour to a bit of New Kids on the Block nostalgia, it was a busy week filled with laughter and camaraderie. My only regret was not having enough time to connect with everyone or hit up all the meetups I wanted to.

What always strikes me at IMEX is how much people care about this industry. I’ve always believed that events are about relationships. The people you meet, the connections you keep, and the trust you build over time can really make a difference when facing challenges or bringing a new event concept to life.

Taking It All Forward

When I got back home, I felt a surge of inspiration with fresh ideas, valuable insights into potential destinations and incentives, and stronger relationships with partners who might be involved in future ISM World conferences. The groundwork we laid this year will definitely pay off in the years to come.

My biggest takeaway from this year’s IMEX is that while numbers, logistics, and contracts matter, it’s the people and relationships behind them that often make an event truly successful.

I left feeling energized, grateful for the relationships I’ve built in this industry, and wishing I’d taken a few more pictures to capture all the memories made!

Until next year, IMEX!