Attending IMEX for the first time

We know it can feel daunting to attend a large trade show for the first time.

We've put together some tips and recommendations so you have the best show experience—covering everything from pre-show webinars to what to wear and where to eat.

Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas | 13-15 October, 2026

Select the play button on the video to hear directly from first timers about IMEX America.

Why attend IMEX?

Group of three people networking on the showfloor at IMEX America

Connect face-to-face

IMEX is your opportunity to do business with 3,700-plus destinations, venues and suppliers from 80 countries all in one place. 

See who attends

Two people in conversation walking though the hall to IMEX America

Network, your way

At IMEX you'll enjoy networking, your way. Whether you prefer the glamour of VIP receptions to sweating it out on the IMEXrun.

View the schedule

A crowd watching a session during IMEX education program

Free professional education program

A free, unparalleled education program offering 300-plus sessions, from ground-breaking keynotes, through hands-on workshops, to one-on-one time with experts.

Check what's on

Meetings professionals engaged in conversation at a booth

Buyer-led meetings

Our buyer-led meetings system is driven by you. Easily plan your schedule in advance to get the most out of your time at the show.

More about meetings

Who attends IMEX?

If you plan or influence meetings and events, you’ll find all the destinations, suppliers and inspiration you need—from major hotel groups and venues to the latest event tech providers.

We welcome meeting and events professionals from a wide range of disciplines, sectors and all levels of seniority.

Meeting planners
Event agencies
Association executives
Incentive travel buyers
In-house corporate event experts
Hospitality or event management students and academics
Meetings industry press
Trade association professionals
Industry experts and consultants
Brand and marketing agencies
Hotel and venue booking agencies

Meeting planners, agency staff, incentive travel buyers and meetings industry press on the showfloor

Everything you need to know before registering

How do I register for IMEX America?

Do I need an IMEX account to register for IMEX America?

I attended IMEX America/ IMEX Frankfurt last year. Do I need to create a new account?

This is my first time attending IMEX. How do I create an IMEX account?

I haven’t received my verification code. What should I do?

Can I use the same IMEX account for future shows?

What happens after I sign into my IMEX account?

How long does registration take?

Will my registration be confirmed immediately?

How long will it take for you to check my registration?

Who can I contact if I need help with registration?

How do I know if my registration was successful?

Will I receive confirmation for my registration?

I forgot my IMEX account password. How do I reset it?

Planning your time at the show

Create your IMEX account and register for the show

You can register your interest to attend now for 2026

Sign up for our Guide to Attending IMEX for the First Time webinar (check back around August 2026). Meet other first-time attendees, chat to us and ask any questions. Update your LinkedIn profile and contact details beforehand.

Know what you want from IMEX

Set some targets for yourself and know why you’re going. Perhaps you want to find new suppliers or destinations, learn about the latest event tech and trends, or grow your contact book?
Once you know why you’re going, you can put together your elevator pitch. This should cover:

Who: Introduce yourself
Where: Explain your company and what it does
What: Describe what you can offer as a solution

If you're a buyer, you're going to do business. Use our Exhibitor Directory to research who you’d like to meet.

Conversation starters

“Hi, I’m ___. I’m interested in learning more about your destination/product.”
“I’m looking for suppliers in ___. Do you handle that area?”
“Could I have a business card or QR code to connect later?”

Book your travel and accommodations

Find out about traveling and staying in Las Vegas.

Book your meetings

If you are attending as a buyer, prioritize meetings that could expand your network and further your business. We recommend six to eight meetings per day.

Prepare for your meeting and let the exhibitors know your intentions beforehand so the meeting can focus on your requirements. Learn more about meetings.

Attend education and events

We have 300-plus free education sessions for you to add to your schedule between meetings. Join our welcome sessions and search the education program. View program from 2025.

Give yourself some free time

Keep some time free for unexpected meetings. There are also plenty of quiet spaces to recharge, have a coffee and catch up on emails while you’re at the show.

Explore our DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) information

Read our accessibility information
Read and support the IMEX code of conduct

Network like a pro

Use your IMEX account

With your IMEX account, everything is in one place. If you're attending as a buyer, you can schedule meetings with exhibitors, see a full attendee list, plan education and activities to attend, and message other attendees.

Embrace the social side

Embrace the social scene at IMEX and find out what’s on offer for networking and working out while at the show. There are lots of exhibitor events on the show floor, plus many other networking activities to take part in—from the early morning IMEXrun to the late night MPI Foundation Rendezvous.

Getting the most out of IMEX

At the show

Use the floorplan—available on our app at the show. If you're a buyer, book meetings close together, so you’re not walking from one end of the hall to the other. And wear comfortable shoes. 

Join us for our first timers welcome on Tuesday. Meet fellow newcomers and the IMEX team.

Sign in to your IMEX account and add the session to your schedule nearer the show.

We're there to help you at the show. Find us at the information counters and on the show floor.

Plan well, have fun and be open to meeting new people. If you have any questions before you arrive read our FAQs or contact us

Top tips at the show

Use the floorplan (August)
If you're a buyer, book meetings close together to reduce walking
Wear comfortable shoes
Look out for updates on our first-timer meet up
We’ll be on the show floor—find us at information desks and key areas. Come and say hello!
Plan well, stay curious and enjoy meeting new people

Check our accessibility page for sensory information and wheelchair accessibility

If you have any questions before you arrive, browse our FAQs or contact us.

We’re here to make IMEX easy for you.

Some tips from our team:

"Try the super cool tram. It avoids the traffic, saves time and runs from Mandalay Bay, stopping at the Luxor then Excalibur—about a seven-minute trip. Or try the Las Vegas Monorail serving other routes along the Strip."

Gillian Heath,

Campaign Manager, Buyers, IMEX Group

Busy IMEX America show floor with attendees networking and walking past booths

Exhibit at IMEX America

Get access to 6,000-plus buyers from across North America and worldwide, from every key sector.

Exhibit with us

Two women smiling and taking a selfie together at IMEX America

Attend IMEX America

If you're an event professional, this is where you need to be. You'll find the suppliers you need in our 3,700 exhibitor-strong destination, venue and everything in between line-up from 80-plus countries.

Attending IMEX

Smiling attendee high-fiving the crowd while walking through the tradeshow floor at IMEX

What's on at IMEX

Beyond a trade show, we offer brilliant speakers, fresh ideas and inspiration at 300-plus educational and networking events over four days.