Even before coming to IMEX, I had the pleasure to connect with the next generation of industry leaders who are paving the way forward. We all connected at the SITE Young Leaders Conference, which was amazing program with plenty of opportunities and activities to build relationships. It’s one of my favourite conferences to attend and I’ve found incredible value in attending in 2019 and now this year.

As a first-time buyer attendee at IMEX, I was excited but also nervous about navigating the show floor. I’ve often felt homesick when coming to Vegas but I’m glad I had my MPI and Canadian community to settle in. Balancing both work and attending appointments was the most difficult task – I had to make adjustments and keep track of time constantly – which was hard! Having my go to spot for meetings and coffee definitely helped!

Here are some of my favourite highlights from #IMEX21:

Receptions/Evening Events:

SITE NITE

When I attended the 2019 SITE Young Leaders Conference, I bought a ticket to SITE NITE and decided to stay in my hotel room instead. This year, I decided to attend and had a blast! It was a great way to cap the conference with entertainment, fun photobooth with confetti and concert.

MPI Rendezvous

It’s been too long since our industry has been together at a large trade show like IMEX. Everyone came to party! A great balance between networking and dancing, fellow attendees were able to enjoy the festivities and support the MPI Foundation. It was a memorable night for all!

*MPI Rendevouz, Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub*

Trade Show Appointments:

As a buyer, I booked appointments with suppliers to hear what’s going on in their destinations and venues. I would like to highlight one destination and venue:

Singapore CVB

So much has changed in the past two years and Singapore continues to advance the level of integration of technology in meetings. Even though Singapore is still restricted, it remains a top destination for meetings and unique experiences for many events including the Singapore Grand Prix!

BMO Centre in Calgary Stampede Park

With the recent announcement of expansions, it was a successful show for the convention centre in Calgary to host city wide conventions and incentives in their brand-new space that is being built. It will be the biggest in Western Canada when finished in 2024. Exciting news!

*Jennifer Diggens, Sales Manager - USA and International Market*

Las Vegas Venues:

Caesers Entertainment

This one of the most sustainable and well-built facilities I have ever attended a meeting in! Would highly recommend this venue in the perfect location with many activities around to host groups in.

Mandalay/Delano Beach Club

IMEX was hosted at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre and many receptions were hosted at the Beach level – including Canada Night hosted by Destinations Canada. We had an amazing violinist who was able to start the night of festivities!

Despite being anxious, I was able to put myself out there is participate in various activities and engage in the IMEX Community. I’m looking to attend IMEX in 2022 and can’t wait to connect with colleagues I met this year in-person and digitally!

Zaman Ishaad, CED, CMP, DES is the Chief Design Officer at Empower Meetings and can be reached at hello@empowermeetings.ca.

First Time at IMEX – Challenging but Rewarding

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