IMEX America 2026 is heading into its October edition with strong momentum, as buyer registration is tracking ahead of the same point last year and several international destinations are expanding their presence on the show floor.
The leading meetings and events industry trade show will take place from October 13–15, 2026, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, bringing together destinations, hotels, suppliers, event professionals, hosted buyers and corporate and association planners from across the global business events industry.
Destinations Increase Presence at IMEX America 2026
Several destinations are strengthening their participation at IMEX America 2026, highlighting continued investment in the business events market.
Montreal, Texas, Los Cabos, Egypt and Barbados are among the destinations increasing their presence at this year’s show. The event will also welcome back destinations including the Dominican Republic, Korea, Jamaica, Japan, Switzerland and Thailand, which have exhibited at IMEX America in previous editions.
Major global hotel groups, including Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott, have also confirmed their participation, adding further strength to the international exhibitor lineup.
The expanded destination and hotel presence is expected to give buyers greater opportunities to explore new venues, accommodation options, destinations and event experiences for future meetings and conferences.
Buyer Experience Gets Greater Focus
IMEX is also introducing several changes to attendee areas for the 2026 edition, with a particular focus on improving the buyer experience.
The Inspiration Hub will move to a more prominent position close to the main walkway and catering area. The education area is also being expanded with larger theaters and a dedicated entrance, making it easier for attendees to access learning sessions throughout the show.
The Hosted Buyer Lounge has also been enlarged and redesigned. The updated space will provide hosted buyers with more room to hold meetings, work between appointments and recharge during busy show days.
These changes are designed to make it easier for buyers and exhibitors to maximize their time at IMEX America while creating more opportunities for meaningful business connections.
IMEX America 2026 Expands Education Program
Education will remain a major part of IMEX America 2026, with the 2026 program featuring 12 learning tracks.
Five of these tracks are new and have been developed around the show’s “Design Matters” theme. The theme places greater emphasis on event design, attendee experience and creating experiences that deliver value for participants.
One of the new tracks, “Designing for Human Needs,” was the most popular education track at IMEX Frankfurt earlier in 2026. Its inclusion at IMEX America reflects growing interest in designing events around the needs, expectations and experiences of attendees.
Another new track, “Design for Spectacle,” will explore immersive experiences and large-scale event concepts. The track is expected to appeal to event professionals looking for new approaches to audience engagement and memorable event design.
Face-to-Face Meetings Remain a Key Priority
Despite the continued growth of digital communication and virtual meetings, IMEX says face-to-face interaction remains one of the most valuable outcomes of business events.
The organization cited research from the Events Industry Council showing that 70 percent of respondents identified relationship-building through face-to-face interaction as the event outcome most difficult to replicate digitally.
For IMEX, the findings underline the importance of bringing buyers and suppliers together in person. The show floor at Mandalay Bay will provide opportunities for exhibitors and buyers to meet directly, discuss business requirements and build relationships that can continue beyond the event.
Buyer Registration Shows Positive Momentum
Buyer registration for IMEX America 2026 is also running ahead of the same stage last year, according to IMEX.
Carina Bauer, chief executive officer of IMEX, said the momentum goes beyond registration numbers, with organizations committing earlier and increasing their investment in face-to-face business events.
The strong registration trend comes as the global meetings and events sector continues to focus on relationship-building, networking and delivering experiences that cannot easily be replicated through digital channels.
Networking Opportunities for Event Professionals
IMEX America 2026 will bring together a broad community of meetings and events professionals, including association planners, corporate event professionals, hosted buyers and first-time attendees.
The combination of business appointments, networking opportunities, education sessions and destination showcases is expected to make the event an important meeting point for the international business events industry.
For exhibitors, the show provides an opportunity to connect with qualified buyers and promote destinations, hotels, venues, services and event solutions. For buyers, it offers access to a wide range of suppliers and destinations in one location.
IMEX America 2026 to Take Place in Las Vegas
IMEX America 2026 will be held from October 13 to 15, 2026, at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
With buyer registration ahead of last year’s pace, increased participation from destinations and major hotel groups, expanded buyer facilities and a broader education program, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be a significant gathering for the global meetings and events industry.
The focus on face-to-face relationship-building, human-centered event design and immersive experiences also reflects wider changes across the business events sector as organizers look for new ways to create meaningful and memorable attendee experiences.
