Issue Contents
Hosted buyers: the buying power to ensure IMEX America success Ray Bloom |
Las Vegas and IMEX - A great fit Rossi Ralenkotter, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority |
|
Heather Gough |
Michel Couturier, MCIntl |
Defining the benefits of hosted buyers Nikki Williams |
John H. Graham IV, ASAE & The
Center for Association Leadership |
ICCA helps IMEX shape the future Martin Sirk, ICCA |
DMAI |
Extending global understanding Edgar Hirt, AIPC and CCH, Congress Center Hamburg. |
Leigh Harry, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre and JMIC |
|
Brenda Anderson, Site |
Strategic Partner’s viewpoint from MPI Bruce MacMillan, MPI |
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Karen Kotowski, CIC |
Deborah Sexton, PCMA |
IMEX in Frankfurt set for big business IMEX 2010 in Frankfurt |
Inside track on Cisco conference IMEX Webinar |
|
Pat Durocher, Global Cynergies |
Olivier Lépine,
Biarritz Tourisme and
ECM |
|
Alan F Waxler, AWG |
GMIC |
|
IMEX America New Vision Projects |
Association Partnerships |
|
Vincent Alonzo,
Successful Meetings/Incentive |
|
Hosted buyers: the buying power to ensure IMEX America success
Strong demand from US and international
associations, hotel groups and agencies to bring their
top buyers to IMEX America has led to an increase in
our hosted buyer program forecasts to 2000 - 80% of
whom will come from North America, with the
balance attending from around the world.
The scale of the program means that IMEX
America is set to follow a completely different model
to any other trade show of its kind in the US -
delivering top quality association, corporate and
agency buyers from every corner of the industry.
According to the ‘IMEX model’ they will spend longer
periods of time on the show floor and commit to
thousands of individual appointments with exhibitors.
IMEX America will also benefit from the
widespread support of the industry’s major
associations. Strategic Partner, MPI, is encouraging
their members to make IMEX America their tradeshow
of choice in the US market, as well as creating a range
of new educational programs around the show. Site
will be holding their annual conference immediately
following the show; ASAE is delivering the education
at the IMEX America Association Day and PCMA will
be co-locating an educational event and hosting a
group of members to the show.
DMAI has elected to officially endorse IMEX
America, whilst other key partners contributing to the
show include ICCA, AIPC, ECM, CIC, JMIC and
GMIC.
We will also conduct extensive direct marketing
campaigns to achieve our trade visitor targets, driven
by our industry
|
Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX Group |
partnerships. In addition, we will be launching a range of New Vision initiatives, including our Politicians Forum – to be run under the auspices of JMIC and CIC.
Finally we are looking forward to working closely
with the Las Vegas business community and the
LVCVA to communicate and establish the
show’s authority and value in the months
to come.
Las Vegas and IMEX - A great fit
Two of the best brands in the
exhibition industry announced in
October that they would partner
on a new venture and the event –
IMEX America – instantly landed
on the calendars of industry
leaders for its debut in 2011.
“Las Vegas has been the leading exhibition city for 15 consecutive years”
When IMEX leaders decided
they wanted to expand to North
America, Las Vegas was among
the early choices to host the
event. Ultimately, IMEX selected
Las Vegas and tourism officials
and resort partners pointed to the
business potential of the new
event.
It is always exciting to bring
new business to Southern
Nevada, but when it includes top
planners and buyers, it adds to
the value. Officials said it made it
even more important that Las
Vegas became the host city for
IMEX.
Las Vegas has been the
leading exhibition city in North
America for 15 consecutive years.
With more than 20,000 meetings,
conventions and exhibitions
annually, Las Vegas has the
accommodation, amenities, and
service to ensure that every visitor
has a productive and successful
trip.
Southern Nevada leaders
have committed to making Las
Vegas a successful exhibition
destination, which has attracted
some of the leading shows in the
world such as the International
Consumer Electronics Show and
the National Association of Broadcasters.
With more than 10 million
square feet of meeting and
exhibition space, more than
140,000 guest rooms and worldclass
dining and entertainment
options, Las Vegas provides the
perfect backdrop for exhibitions
of any nature or size.
“Strong supporter of the meetings industry”
Las Vegas is much more than
a leisure destination, and
exhibitions that relocate here
experience that first hand. Research has shown that events
that move to Las Vegas
experience an increase in
attendance of approximately
14%. Those attendees are also
spending more time doing
business while they are in the
destination, spending an average
of two to five hours more time on
the show floor.
Las Vegas is a strong
supporter of the meeting and
exhibition industry, and
community leaders are
committed to ensuring that the
importance of the industry is
widely understood and that any
discussion or legislation focused
on the industry
 |
Rossi Ralenkotter,
President and CEO,
Las Vegas |
is based on fact.
Las Vegas looks forward to partnering with IMEX to launch IMEX America and making it one of the most successful industry shows. Welcome to Las Vegas.
The difference is clear
Since the launch of IMEX America we have experienced
strong demand from exhibitors
across the world. Feedback has
been positive and widespread,
with exhibitors such as Millennium
Hotels and Starwood Hotels &
Resorts vigorous in their praise
and encouragement for the new
show. For example, Mary Casey,
Vice President, Global Corporate
Sales at Starwood recently said, “Having had great success in
working with IMEX since its
launch in Europe I’m thrilled that
Starwood will once again be an
inaugural partner with the IMEX
Group at IMEX America
in 2011.”
Our partnership mindset
IMEX America will offer the
meetings and events industry in
the US a new-model tradeshow,
with a large-scale hosted buyer
program at the heart of the show.
Our approach to delivering
business is both tested and
proven. Our confidence in
delivering exceptional levels of
new business to our exhibitors in
Las Vegas is based on a sound
pedigree and a proven formula.
For example, IMEX views every
single exhibitor as a business
partner. The support we offer
exhibitors in terms of tailored and
detailed pre-show marketing guidance, online buyer appointments, the Virtual Exhibition, online diary management, online
|
Heather Gough, Sales Director, IMEX Group |
training and our “Contact the Buyers” facility is genuinely unique, and extends all year round. In short, our aim is to help all our
exhibitors achieve an unfair advantage over their competition.
Companies that want to know
about the ‘IMEX difference’ are
invited to contact us
at any time.
Revenge of the "boondoggles"
Business events have suffered bad press over the last two years, but the notion that these events are “boondoggles” and “junkets” has now been replaced with the firm belief that business events contribute to the economy - and that they generate important business.
“Americans are now more than ever acting
global”
Planning an international event is a business
call for both association and corporate
executives. This rational decision is dictated by
the need to grow global membership, market
new educational programs, or simply increase
sales. Americans now, more than ever, are not
only thinking global, but also acting global.
Published January 5, 2010, The New York Times article titled “Dodging the dollar – event planners try to sidestep a currency’s slide”, clearly stated, “…but for certain groups, like corporations with overseas operations or associations with a significant international membership, staying domestic is not an option.”
The promising economic evidence that
2010 will be a year of marked improvements is
displacing the doom and gloom that
dominated 2009. Assisting in these economic
improvements is the sentiment that the US is a
fertile destination for investment. With the
finance industry and corporate America back
in the black, the meetings and convention
industry is seeing a light at the end of the
tunnel.
MPI’s Business Barometer (December 2009),
published early January, confirms the trend
towards a more positive industry outlook.
Although still cautious, a group of senior level
meeting professionals expressed optimism
over anticipated improvements in economic
and industry activities; 30% have a “favorable”
view of the business outlook compared to
19% in October; the “negative” dropped from
63% to 51% while 19% view the situation as“flat”. Results of this Barometer have been
improving since it reached its lowest point in
the spring of 2009. When asked which client
segments have seen the greatest increase in
activity, the association market led the pack
with 26% for domestic associations and 11%
for international associations. The domestic
corporate market ranked number one (29%)
while the international corporate segment
accounted for 7% of increased activity.
The widely respected FutureWatch 2010,
produced by MPI in partnership with American
Express, also serves as the reliable gauge of
the industry’s future. This survey found initial
signs of cautious optimism about prospects for
2010, combined with a sense of realism about
the new realities that meetings and events
now face. The survey highlights some key
issues such as competitive pricing, back to
basics, ROI, CSR and new technologies.
“industry on track for renewed growth”
And finally, Site International Foundation released its industry research in late 2009. Site’s survey results indicated recovery ahead for the motivational events industry. Although 76% of buyers and suppliers report a decrease in motivational events, 50% believe that the recession is over and the industry will recover within two years.
So, all signs now point to an improved economy and meeting industry growth. Therefore, international destinations and venues should keep in mind that the time to act is now. A low dollar means a lower marketing and sales investment for international destinations and venues. The message is clear: Take advantage and position your product and brand for this competitive but lucrative market, now!
Michel Couturier, President, MCIntl, www.mcintl.com
Michel will be leading a seminar on the US
meetings market at IMEX America. Details will
be available at
www.imexamerica.com/whatson.html
Defining the benefits of hosted buyers
The quality and scale of the IMEX hosted buyer program is at the core of the "IMEX model" and is a key reason for the enduring success and track record of our Frankfurt exhibition.
Our hallmark program was created over
20 years ago by IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom,
and ensures that hand-picked and personally
qualified decision makers for major meetings,
conventions and events attend the exhibition.
Reflecting their importance, hosted buyers
travel and stay free as our guests. At IMEX
America we have already committed to
delivering 2000 key decision makers who
place business both internationally and within
the US. 80% of these buyers will come from
the US market, with the remainder coming
from across the world.
We are excited to be announcing many
large groups already. To date HelmsBriscoe,
HPN, Global Cynergies and Conference Direct
have all confirmed they will be bringing their
top buyers to the show on the hosted buyer
program; and many of our existing hotel
group partners including Starwood and
Intercontinental Hotels have also committed
to delivering their key clients.
|
Nikki Williams, Director of Hosted Buyer Programs, IMEX Group |
Whether you are from an agency, a
corporation or an association, we are
determined to demonstrate that IMEX
America is set to become your newest and
most indispensable business tool.
ASAE builds learning platform
ASAE & The Center for
Association Leadership welcomes
the launch of IMEX America with
great enthusiasm and excitement.
The meetings and hospitality
industry is a major player in the
economy of the United States
and we are excited about
partnering with such a
distinguished organization.
ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership will be working with IMEX America to provide the programming for Association Day on October 10, 2011. The content, provided by CenterU, ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership’s University will address the needs of CEOs and senior staff. Building on the brand of our Great Ideas Conference, these sessions will provide the opportunity for attendees to step back from their day-to-day routines and be exposed to new thinking.
It is the focus on the learner
and the impact of the learning –
not the speaker - that sets ASAE & The Center apart from other
organizations. To achieve this, the
association uses seven principles
in the design, delivery and
evaluation of all of its programs.
“the best learning always relates to personal experience”
The first is that learning
involves both support and
challenge. Participants are
encouraged to take risks,
question assumptions, and fully
engage in the learning
process. Next is the
principle that learning
involves changing both
thoughts and actions.
This means examining
beliefs and considering
new perspectives.
Learning as an ongoing
process of self-discovery is the
third principle. The Center’s
learning experiences are
designed to help everyone
become more self-aware and, in
the process, gain understanding
of their strengths, weaknesses,
values, and beliefs.
ASAE & The Center also
believe that all participants need
to feel that learning is both
relevant and authentic. The best learning always relates material
directly to personal
experience. The final
three principles
recognize the
importance of
equality
 |
John H. Graham IV,
CAE, President and
CEO, ASAE & The
Center for Association
Leadership www.asaecenter.org |
between those imparting the material and the learners; that social activity works best in the context of a trusting community and that all learning should both surprise and delight its recipients.
We look forward to bringing
all of these principles to life at
IMEX America Association Day
2011.
ICCA helps IMEX shape the future
ICCA has been working very closely with IMEX since the Frankfurt show was just an idea on the drawing board, and it’s been an extremely valuable relationship for all of our members around the world. IMEX have built their success through strong relationships, listening carefully to the market, taking the long-term viewpoint, and focusing on getting the very best buyers through the doors. We’re certain that the same approach will pay dividends with IMEX America, since the US has never seen this type of model in full action before. We’re very excited about developing all kinds of new collaborative initiatives.
“focusing on getting the very
best buyers through the doors”
One of the pleasures of
working with IMEX is their
enthusiasm for collaborating on
new innovations and concepts.
This year, for example, ICCA and
IMEX are founding partners
with Fast Future’s Rohit Talwar on
a groundbreaking Convention
2020 research project, an initiative
that’s brought together large
numbers of sponsors and
thought-leaders both from
within and outside the meetings
industry. Together they will
consider how societal,
technological and economic
changes over the coming decade
are going to impact on the shape
of our business, and specifically
how things are going to change
for the large venues where the
most important international
meetings take place.
This research will create a
plethora of valuable new material for us to debate and incorporate
into our future plans, and I’m sure
when IMEX America takes place
this research will
|
Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA www.iccaworld.com |
help to shape many of the education sessions that are being planned. It’s important that the new show is not just a successful business occasion for exhibitors and visiting meeting planners, but also that it helps shape the future direction of our global industry, and ICCA is looking forward to working with IMEX America towards that goal.
From strength to strength
Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) is proud to support the arrival of IMEX in the United States, as well as welcoming them as our newest Alliance Partner, a new role which will further strengthen the strong, mutually supportive relationship that has formed between our two organizations.
”assisting our
members in
expanding their global
reach”
We anticipate that
IMEX America will continue
to provide the same level of
valuable global business opportunities
our DMO members have come to expect
when exhibiting at IMEX in Frankfurt, as well
as assisting our members in expanding their
global reach through direct access to a new
customer base.
As a key sponsor of Destinations
Showcase Chicago, IMEX continues to show
its investment in important face-to-face events
which are critical to the success of our
members and to the future of our industry. A
joint initiative between DMAI and European
Cities Marketing (ECM), the Destination Pro
certificate program fosters a higher level of
professionalism and productivity in all areas of
destination business tourism sales and
marketing through
education and hands-on
training. Aligning with its
focus on education, IMEX’s
exclusive sponsorship of this
professional development
program illustrates its continued and fervent support of future
industry leaders.
For years, our two
organizations have worked
to combine our efforts in
moving the destination
marketing industry
forward. IMEX has
shown its long term
support of
DMAI through
sponsorships and
leadership involvement on
our European Advisory Council.
With IMEX’s new role as a DMAI Alliance
Partner, we are proud to officially recognize
IMEX as one of our most strategic and
strongest supporters.
Extending global understanding
As the international representative of the global convention center industry, AIPC sees IMEX’s development of a new North American event as a very positive step in the recognition of the global nature of our industry. At the same time, it creates an unprecedented opportunity to take action in addressing a new reality.
With economic recovery well underway in
most parts of the world, the emphasis will
again be on the inevitable globalization of
business and professional development – and
the myriad of events that arise from this trend
that have important implications, not only for
convention centers but also their clients and
suppliers.
“IMEX America bridging the gap”
Globalization means we all need to know
each other better than ever, as expectations of
what both centers and events can deliver
become ever more universal. The fact that
shows such as IMEX have been leaders in not
only creating a global showcase but also a
vehicle for better education and industry
interactions is indisputable. By extending its
reach into North America, IMEX will be
carrying this same kind of a potential into a
new market, creating new opportunities and
challenges for many of our members.
The challenges largely take the form of
gaps in understanding that still exist in terms
of what clients from different parts of the
world want relative to what different facilities
are geared to deliver. IMEX America will go a
long way to bridging that gap by clearly
demonstrating the breadth of the global
industry and the range of demands that
accompany it in various parts of the world. At
the same time, its related educational
programming will play a big role in identifying
issues in an evolving industry and in
determining how best to address them.
AIPC intends to take full advantage of this
opportunity on behalf of our members – and
in doing so, to open the door to new markets
and a better overall understanding in and of
our industry. We see great potential to present
the full range of facility products to a market
that (to date) has been challenging for many
to reach. However, we also see a chance to
create the kind of interactions – particularly
through the educational programs that will be
imbedded in the event – to improve our
 |
Edgar Hirt, President, AIPC and Managing Director, CCH, Congress Center Hamburg www.aipc.org |
understanding of how we can work together more effectively.
Congratulations to IMEX for taking this
bold step. We look forward to taking full
advantage of the opportunities IMEX America
will create for an even more effective global
industry.
Expanding advocacy
For a truly global industry, ours is
one that ironically has very few
opportunities to get together with
our wide variety of constituent
organizations. And, as our
working environment becomes
even more challenging (as it has
over the past year or more), the
need to get together is becoming
absolutely critical to our future
success.
At the same time, it’s
becoming increasingly clear that
it’s not enough to just continue
the discourse amongst ourselves.
Instead, we need to be having
the discussion with other
business, academic and
government groups that share an
interest in what meetings,
conventions and exhibitions
accomplish in today’s global
economy. It’s for that reason that
JMIC - the Joint Meetings
Industry Council – has been an
enthusiastic participant in the
IMEX Politicians Forum since its
inception.
JMIC was established in 1978 as a vehicle for creating a forum
amongst international
associations engaged in various
aspects of the meetings industry.
It has met annually since and
serves as a link between member
organizations as well as a means
of reviewing industry conditions
and strategies and, more recently,
taking action to address some of
the most urgent industry issues.
JMIC is well positioned to do this,
with a wide range of members
that currently includes 12 major
international industry associations
and a mission to advance
awareness of the overall industry
and the wide variety of benefits it
generates.
“the real key is how we interact
with the outside world”
But as effective as we may be
in communicating within our own
circle, the real key is how we
interact with the outside world –
and particularly the elements of
that world that are, or should be,
concerned with what we do as an
industry. A big part of that world
involves government, because it
is not only a major investor in the
industry – via convention facilities,
for example – but it also includes
those whose policies determine
our collective future.
IMEX has played a pioneering
role here by developing and
maintaining what is the single
most influential forum for
government interaction – the
Politicians Forum. IMEX America
will extend this opportunity to
another region – and serve to link
up with extensive advocacy
efforts already underway in the
US.
|
Leigh Harry,
Chief Executive,
Melbourne
Convention &
Exhibition Centre
and President, JMIC www.themeetingsindustry.org |
As a global community we
are all in this together and the
success or failure to achieve the
required level of industry
recognition will ultimately affect
everyone. For that reason, we are
pleased to see the opportunity
IMEX America creates in
spreading the global meetings
message even more broadly.
Great anticipation at Site
As the industry well knows, Site was thrilled at the announcement of IMEX America. This is why Site is placing its International Conference 2011 in Las Vegas immediately after the show. Timing the start of the Site International Conference with the close of IMEX America is a great way to maximize attendees’ time. In one trip members and friends can gain the benefits of two remarkable events. This timing also works well with our conference schedule. We have made this announcement public and begun sharing the information with our members so that they can plan ahead.
“the timing couldn’t be better”
Site will also be making some
exciting updates to its Crystal
Awards and the first of these new
awards will be presented during
the first IMEX America. We are
also supportive of IMEX
replicating the Politicians Forum
in the US. Again, the timing
couldn’t be better to continue
forging meaningful conversations
between the motivational events
industry and leaders of public
policy.
 |
Brenda Anderson, CEO, Site www.siteglobal.com |
Site’s community has long been fully integrated with the IMEX community and we collaborate and support each other where we can. Site intends to work with IMEX America to attract the right motivational event professionals to the show and, as always, Site is committed to helping our members extend their business connections.
Strategic Partner’s viewpoint from MPI
Bruce MacMillan, CEO of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), talked to IMEX about MPI’s long-standing relationship with the Group and explains the rationale for its strategic partnership with IMEX America.
Can you give us the rationale for MPI’s Strategic Partnership with IMEX America?
The more opportunities we have to share
industry-advancing education that empowers
professionals, the better positioned we all are
to succeed. Aligning with the IMEX Group
who provide such exceptional outreach
through authentic business-building
marketplace opportunities, such as the IMEX
hosted buyer program, enables us to broaden
our industry reach and achieve our goal of
providing exceptional content with
exceptional partners.
As MPI evolves its own live event
strategy to focus on delivering exceptional
educational and skill-building content for our
industry community, strategic partnerships
such as that with IMEX America will play an
increasingly important role in providing MPI
members with new, innovative and brand
building focused marketplace opportunities.
What ambitions do you have for the IMEX-MPI Future Leaders program around the world?
MPI is committed to elevating the meeting
and events profession by cultivating strong
talent within our industry. Our ultimate goal
is to identify top talent and introduce them to
outstanding opportunities and industry
leaders. Future Leaders Forums allow both
MPI and IMEX to identify, cultivate and
connect those young people entering the
industry with leaders and mentors who can
help inspire and guide them.
The MPI Student Community has grown
at a rate of more than 35% in the past three
years and now accounts for 2000 students.
The Future Leaders program has a
tremendous growth opportunity and now
includes the University Challenge where the
top students from Future Leaders Forums
worldwide travel to IMEX in Frankfurt to
compete for a chance to win a trip to any of
the global MPI Conferences.
“importance of our industry in driving
bottom line business results”
Our industry may have been under attack
for the past year, but there have been
positive outcomes. Where have the big
wins come from?
While we have had to tackle Capitol Hill
throughout 2009 and survive a reactionary
and uneducated media onslaught, I’d have to
say that some of the biggest wins occurred
because our industry was brought out of the
shadows and into the spotlight. The
economic and resulting business crisis became
a catalyst to fast-track the funding and
development of the US economic impact
study that is currently underway. Also,
significant, unsolicited, third-party research
from organizations such as Forbes, Oxford
Economics and the Harvard Business Review
has shown the importance of our industry in
driving bottom line business results. In fact,
MPI is now aggregating this research into a
useful, high-impact tool for professionals who
encounter challenges to what they do every
day.
What qualities does a modern meetings
professional have to possess that they
didn’t need 10 years ago?
The big shift here is to “speak the language of
business” not just the language of hospitality.
As the industry shifts its focus to
communicating the business-oriented results
meetings and events produce, so too
professionals within the industry must focus
on understanding they are being held
accountable for bottom-line business impact
and results - not just logistics. This means a
more refined skill set in financial acumen,
strategic planning, corporate social
responsibility and the ability to communicate
and calculate measurable return on
investment.
“poised for a steady climb up and out of
this crisis”
What single issue or activity in the
industry is most exciting you at the
moment?
The most exciting thing right now is the
sense of optimism within the majority of our
industry. There’s a strong sense in
conversations and in tangible research that
shows us we’re poised for a steady climb up
and out of this crisis. MPI’s FutureWatch
report issued in January indicates that
planners are predicting a 2.8% increase in the
number of meetings held and a 4.5% increase
in attendance. All good signs that things are
improving.
Confidence and desirability
The meetings industry has certainly
experienced some challenges over the last
year, but things are looking up. The launch of
IMEX America in 2011 demonstrates that a
major industry player has confidence in the US
meetings market as well as the desirability of
the United States as a global meeting
destination. I am sure the decision to launch a
new show at this time was one that was not
made lightly and was well researched and
considered.
The Convention Industry Council (CIC) is
just one of several industry associations who
will be participating in IMEX America 2011.
CIC is a federation of 32 organizations in the
meetings, events, exhibitions and travel space
whose mission is to facilitate the exchange of
information, promote professionalism within
the industry and educate the public on the
profound economic impact of meetings and
events. CIC maintains several signature
programs including the CMP Designation,
Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) and the
CIC Hall of Leaders - the industry’s ultimate
recognition program - plus numerous industry
resource projects.
“live meetings save time and money”
One such project is a public information
campaign, “Face Time. It Matters.” CIC
members are promoting this key theme as well as other relevant messages within their
own organizations’ communications to
articulate the value of face-to-face and live events.
This theme and its messages were
developed as a result of interviews and focus
groups with meeting sponsors as well as
executives who attend business meetings and
events. The results can be summarized as:
face-to-face meetings build both trust and
relationships; education and training are more
effective in a live setting; live meetings save
time and money; they also facilitate problem solving
thanks to a more effective exchange of
ideas. And finally, face-to-face meetings
provide a human connection that powers
business.
These key messages certainly fit with the
launch of IMEX America. Trade shows such as
this are an efficient way to bring buyers and
suppliers together in one place, saving time as
well as the money that would be required to
visit all customers individually. In addition,
IMEX has a history of excellent educational
opportunities which facilitate problem-solving
and the exchange of ideas.
|
Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP. Chief Operating Officer, CIC www.conventionindustry.org |
CIC will have a presence on the show floor and plans to hold a CMP exam at IMEX
America, as it does at IMEX in Frankfurt. In
addition, CIC will participate in the
development of the Politicians Forum, which
has been an integral part of the Frankfurt
show.
Spanning the globe
Forward-thinking and global are two
attributes of IMEX so it’s fitting that PCMA has
aligned itself with IMEX in a brand new
partnership. PCMA has been participating in
IMEX in Frankfurt for several years now,
providing educational offerings. That will
continue. But with its brand-new show, IMEX
America, IMEX is blazing a fresh trail and
PCMA is pleased to be helping to pave the
way by offering high-level education at this
event.
PCMA believes the industry should keep
its sights on IMEX America. When it takes
place next year, the event will be characterized
by an uncompromising focus on business,
international hosted-buyer programs and
industry-wide collaboration. The new show will
deliver 2000 internationally focused hosted
buyers who represent the association,
corporate and agency sectors. The hosted buyer
program will bring targeted high-quality
buyers from across the United States and from
around the world to meet and do business
with both domestic and international
exhibitors. PCMA itself will be supporting the
program by bringing a large group of
influential hosted buyers to the show.
“Forward-thinking and global are
attributes of IMEX”
|
Deborah Sexton, President and CEO, PCMA www.pcma.org |
As a way of announcing its new presence in the US, IMEX recently sponsored a Masters Series session at the PCMA Annual Meeting in Dallas. “Airlines and meetings: a CEO conversation” was an unprecedented discussion between Gerard J. Arpey, Chairman, President and CEO of AMR Corp. and American Airlines, and Gary Kelly, Chairman, President, and CEO of Southwest Airlines.
IMEX in Frankfurt set for big business
The eighth IMEX in Frankfurt is set to deliver
more business opportunities than ever when
its doors open on May 25.
Hotel groups will continue to be
represented strongly at IMEX with many of the
larger global groups bringing in additional hosted buyers for 2010. Ritz Carlton,
Möevenpick Hotels, Fairmont/Swissotel Raffles
and Starwood Hotels & Resorts have also all
increased their stand space. Scandic Hotels
and Albert Management of Latvia will exhibit
for the first time and Warwick International
makes a welcome return.
Other new exhibitors include Columbia,
Meeting Point International and Showcare.
The IMEX Wild Card winners for 2010 are also
all first-time exhibitors in the international
meetings and events industry. This year’s
winners are Uganda, Morzine in France and
the new Hof Conference and Cultural Center,
Iceland.
Demand for exhibition space has been
particularly strong from Asian meetings and
events industry suppliers with Korea, Japan,
Seoul Convention Bureau, Macau, Sri Lanka
and Indian Holiday all expanding their
presence. US exhibitors have also confirmed
their enthusiasm and commitment with
Anchorage, Arizona, Chicago, Texas and New
York City already contracted and all those who
attended in 2009, including Florida, Las Vegas,
Boston, Washington DC and Philadelphia expected to exhibit within the IMEX US
Pavilion again in 2010.
“US exhibitors have confirmed their
commitment and enthusiasm”
Other exhibitors who have also increased
their exhibition space so far include the Czech
Tourism Authority, Uruguay, Luxembourg,
Canada, Liberty International and Discovery
Jordan.
The Spanish Tourist Office is now firmly
established as the second largest exhibitor at
IMEX, with Germany - under the organization
of the GCB - being the largest.
Once again a diverse educational program
in both English and German will be on offer,
plus a variety of hallmark IMEX events
including Association Day and Evening, the
Politicians Forum and the Future Leaders
Forum together with valuable resources such
as the Corporate Responsibility Centre
(powered by GMIC), Meetings Under the
Microscope and the Professional
Development and Innovation Pavilion, which is
sponsored by CIC.
Inside track on Cisco conference
Hundreds of meetings industry planners
and suppliers keen to learn about the
challenges involved in staging virtual events
took the chance to hear the full story from
Cisco’s Angie Smith during an IMEX Meetings
for Success webinar earlier this month.
Facilitated by David Kliman, President of
the Kliman Group, webinar participants heard
Cisco Global Sales Experience Manager,
Angie Smith, talk in detail about the
company’s entirely virtual Global Sales
Experience which took place last September.
Smith spoke about various content
planning issues, which called for more than
200 content sessions, an alternate reality
game and various mini games. More than
19,000 employees attended the annual event
which took place over four days. They
participated from 89 countries spanning 24
time zones and also gathered in 600 Cisco
conference rooms worldwide. Webinar
participants learned the planning lead-time for
the global event was an uncompromising 20
weeks.
Says Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO, “We
were delighted that Angie was able to share
her insight into this unique event on an
extraordinary global scale. It represented
something of a watershed moment in
meetings industry history.”
“So many professionals in our industry are
currently struggling with what, when, if and
how to blend virtual with face-to-face meetings and
events so this
webinar was
extremely well timed.
Virtual
meetings
demand huge
technological
support and experience and
IMEX
acknowledges
that many in the
industry are keen
to understand as
much as they
can about this
hot topic.”
www.imex-frankfurt.com/webinar.html
Towards new trends
If you are like most of us you are probably glad that 2009 is now in the rear view mirror. Although it may have been a challenging year (when, for some, market perception became reality) much was learned and has changed in the process.
“green initiatives are becoming
more of a priority”
New trends have emerged as
once again our clients were faced
with staff reductions. Having to
do more with less has increased
the need to work with trusted
partners to provide services such
as site selection, registration
services and onsite management
to name a few. Short-term
bookings were and are the order
of the day! Looking for suppliers
to creatively provide high quality
meetings that also create cost
savings is also commonplace.
Another trend is that a more
conservative approach is being
taken when booking room blocks,
and clients are paying particularly
close attention to contract clauses
and cancellation due dates.
Travel policies and
considerations are top of mind in
terms of destination choice and
number of meeting participants
and we also note that green
initiatives are becoming more of a
priority in the decision-making
process.
As we begin 2010 with the
expectation that things will get
back on track it won’t necessarily
be the same track we were on in
the past. Many have realized that
we can in fact do more with less!
The United States represents a top destination for international association meetings, not to mention the ongoing business opportunities between the US and
|
Pat Durocher, CEO and Founder Global Cynergies www.globalcynergies.com |
the rest of the world. It is
only fitting that a show of the
caliber of IMEX is now to be held
on this side of the pond. All at
Global Cynergies look forward to
bringing our group together at
IMEX America in 2011.
Global Cynergies is a worldwide hotel and venue selection company with nearly 45 members in 11 countries.
See you in Las Vegas
As the first European association representing convention bureaus and tourist boards, we are very pleased to learn about IMEX America. The American continent has always been a major market for almost all of our members, so we appreciate seeing such an event crossing the ocean to give our members the possibility of making new contacts and developing future business opportunities.
|
Olivier Lépine,
General Manager,
Biarritz Tourisme and
ECM Vice President www.europeancitiesmarketing.com |
IMEX in Frankfurt is a great
reference point, no doubt IMEX
America will be one as well! We
also look forward to working with
IMEX on the American equivalent
of the Politicians Forum. See you
all in Las Vegas.
Commitment to America
AWG is thrilled that IMEX has made this commitment to America. The founders of this exhibition are keen in their understanding of what makes our business tick! Ray Bloom and Paul Flackett are pioneers in the hospitality trade show arena and their organization and execution demonstrate their willingness to over-achieve for their exhibitors.
The techniques used in
operating a high quality trade
show coupled with the hosted
buyer program they have created
and put on the map, provide
genuine results for attendees and
exhibitors alike. With added
support from Site and MPI, in my
opinion an exhibitor simply
couldn’t ask for more. As a
person representing a hospitality
product or service it would be a
grave mistake not to recognize
the benefits of attending this new
show.
Las Vegas is most fortunate
to have been selected as the
destination for IMEX America. The
excitement and enthusiasm in the Las Vegas hospitality community
already has everyone buzzing. All
at AWG look forward to
welcoming a global audience to
this exciting new show and the
hospitality capital of the world.
|
Alan F Waxler DMCP, CEO, AWG |
AWG is a Las Vegas-based multifaceted company providing “cutting edge” and comprehensive event experiences and is a combined DMC, special events business, talent agency and charter services transportation company. AWG has been appointed official ground handler for IMEX America.
Green for go
GMIC (Green Meeting Industry
Council) sees IMEX as a leader in
bridging sustainable practices
into the global arena. As a
professional green education
association, one of GMIC’s
longest strategic partnerships is
with IMEX. Through it we
promote the training of future
leaders and green meeting
professionals and, each year, we
recognize various industry
organizations for excellence in
green meeting management.
It is inspiring to acknowledge
the rigor and passion of these
organizations and to see how
committed many are to
modelling sustainable best
practices.
GMIC is really excited at the
prospect of expanding the
IMEX/GMIC green meeting and
supplier awards program to
America in addition to running
the Sustainability Center and
training. The development of this
partnership aligns with our goal of
providing continuing education
and sustainability recognition for
the whole meetings industry.
New vision for new show
One of the platforms of IMEX’s success in
Frankfurt has been the rich and varied number
of special projects on offer. Collectively these
are known as the IMEX New Vision initiatives.
Each of them has been designed and
developed to respond to a pressing
educational or professional need and each is
intended to bring industry associations and
individuals together to share best practice,
provide encouragement and inspiration and
change the industry from the grassroots up.
“adding extra weight and voice to US cross-party
lobbying efforts”
Politicians Forum
Several of these highly successful initiatives will
be rolled out as part of IMEX America. As
IMEX Group Chairman, Ray Bloom, explains: “After initial discussions with leading industry
colleagues in the United States, it became
apparent that creating a Politicians Forum
during IMEX America would be highly
beneficial and well supported. IMEX will work
closely with the key industry trade
associations, including CIC and JMIC, to
create an American Politicians Forum in Las
Vegas in October 2011 - adding extra weight
and voice to US cross-party lobbying efforts
and the momentum behind such campaigns
as Meetings Mean Business.”
The Forum will bring invited political
representatives together with association and
industry leaders with the aim of improving
officials’ understanding of the economic
strength and importance of the meetings and events industry and to highlight the long-term
benefits it can provide to their communities.
The Forum will engage destinations,
convention centers, associations and others
and ask them to nominate their local or
national elected officials for a free invitation to
a dedicated one-day event during the show.
Career enhancing opportunities
IMEX will also leverage its strategic
partnership with MPI to implement the highly
successful Future Leaders program at IMEX
America. 2009 saw 14 Future Leaders Forums
take place around the globe giving aspiring
young professionals mentoring, education and
networking opportunities to help further their
careers.
“2009 saw 14 Future Leaders Forums taking
place around the globe”
IMEX America will also include a Wild
Card competition which will encourage
previously unknown meeting, incentive travel
and events destinations throughout the
Americas to apply for free exhibition space
and marketing support. Each Wild Card
entrant will be closely reviewed by a panel of
judges and must meet specific criteria to
qualify for a winning place.
As Bloom explains, “The success of this
scheme over the years has meant that some
emerging destinations have been able to
launch themselves into the marketplace on the
back of IMEX and we are delighted to have
brought their facilities and resources to the
attention of buyers from all over the world. It is
initiatives such as these that help to mark
IMEX out as much more than a trade show,
but a true worldwide platform for industry
development, support and growth.”
Added to these programs, IMEX America
will also bear all the hallmarks of the Frankfurt
show in terms of its focus on environmental
education and improved ‘green’ management.
IMEX in Frankfurt has a strong track record for
using innovative new sustainable materials
(such as exhibitor badges made from a
compostable corn starch derivative), driving
down waste output and encouraging better
environmental awareness amongst exhibitors
and stand builders. IMEX America will apply
the same approach and will work closely with
contractors and suppliers in particular to set
goals and measure success year on year.
www.imexamerica.com/whatson.html
IMEX America New Vision Projects
Seminars, workshops and forums run by leading experts and supporting industry associations.
| Politicians Forum Raising the profile of the industry amongst political leaders. Under the auspices of JMIC & CIC. |
LearningCurve Zone Aka professional development center, but more fun! |
| Meetings for Success Influencing executives on the value of meetings and events. |
Techno-How Get wowed by the latest technology. |
| Wild Card Americas Discovering new and uncharted destinations in the New World. |
Meetings 3.0 Focus on new trends, the future of the industry. |
| Sustainability Center Corporate responsibility from the experts, GMIC. |
Global Data Exchange Surveys and research available online. |
| Future Leaders Forums Motivating the best and brightest to join our industry. |
Association partners roundup
IMEX has built a special relationship with many of
the industry’s leading organizations and IMEX
America will benefit through a unique series of
partnerships, including strategic partner MPI and
official endorsement of the show by DMAI. The
show will also feature an unprecedented number of
educational events, custom-built by our partners
for all types of buyer, exhibitor and trade visitor.
The IMEX America program is already looking
packed and includes the ICCA Association Expert
Seminar; IMEX Association Day, presented by
ASAE and The Center; IMEX Association Evening; a
series of new MPI educational sessions before and
around the show; a co-located educational event
by PCMA; the Site International Conference
following the exhibition; a series of association-led
morning seminars and for fun the IMEX Gala Party
and MPI Foundation Rendezvous.
The US is ready
There is a school of thought that believes competition is a positive force that encourages everyone to be better. If this is the case, the American trade show industry for meetings and incentives is about to peak. The IMEX Group’s announcement of the launch of IMEX America in Las Vegas in October of 2011 is a smart decision.
There are five very good reasons why 2011 will
find lots of US meeting and incentive planners looking
to attend trade shows and make deals. The first is that
there are convincing signs that the global recovery is
now underway in the United States, although the
return to a strong economy will be slow. In turn
planners are shopping around more and comparing
prices for facilities and services which makes a new
trade show a very attractive prospect for market
research. What is more,
 |
Vincent Alonzo, Editor-in-Chief,
Successful Meetings/Incentive |
demand for meetings and incentives is growing due a backlog of cancellations that took place in late 2008 and early 2009. As a result more organizations are showing signs of increased bookings in 2010. And finally, the US remains the world’s number one country in terms of the number of meetings, both domestic and international that are hosted within its borders.