November 12, 2021 | By Joyce DiMascio
Australia and the rest of the world were back at IMEX America this week, with the major international trade show for the business events industry taking place in Las Vegas for fully vaccinated participants only.
Executive Vice President of Ungerboeck Software International, Steve Mackenzie said trade shows returning were a great plus for the industry.
“So amazing to be at #imex2021 in Las Vegas. 10,000 people at the event, over 2,000 exhibiting staff and almost 3,000 hosted buyers – amazing!! And people from so many countries!
“Trade shows are coming back!!!” he said.
Tourism Australia was back at the show with Business Events Australia and industry partner representatives on the stand.
The three-day trade show is one of the major trade showcases for the incentive travel, meetings and events market. Its return augurs well for destinations around the world including Australia.
Tourism Australia was joined on the Australia stand by six industry partners: Arinex, BESydney, Darwin Convention Centre and Northern Territory Business Events, Hyatt Regency Sydney, ID Events Australia and Melbourne Convention Bureau.
According to Tourism Australia, Australian industry had the opportunity to meet and do business with qualified international planners and decision makers, with Tourism Australia hosting group and one-on-one appointments bringing to life Australia’s exceptional business events offering.
Prior to the pandemic, the international business events visitor was the second-largest yielding market for Australia, spending on average 74 percent more per night compared to leisure visitors, Tourism Australia reports.
Robin Mack, Executive General Manager of Commercial & Business Events Australia at Tourism Australia, said maintaining engagement with customers throughout the pandemic has been central to their strategy.
“IMEX America is the first global trade show where we have been able to have an in-person presence since the pandemic started, marking a significant milestone towards recovery,” he said.
“Business events are a critical part of Australia’s tourism industry. International trade shows like IMEX America deliver business leads for Australia, demonstrating tangible results and strong returns for industry.
“We’re looking forward to creating new relationships, demonstrating Australia’s exceptional offering and showcasing why there’s nothing like Australia for business events,” said Mack.