November 17, 2021 | By Joyce DiMascio | Image: The IMEX America team welcomes visitors and exhibitors back to the show
Australia’s return to IMEX America in Las Vegas last week and the multitude of forums which surround it revealed international appetite for events Down Under is strong.
Business Events Australia has a global trade development program, which includes leading the Australian missions abroad.
Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager of Commercial and Business Events Australia, Robin Mack said demand for Australia was strong.
“IMEX America confirms demand for Australia remains strong with Business Events Australia hosting over 180 buyers for group appointments and an additional 40 buyers meeting one-on-one.
“It’s fantastic to see the event has generated tangible results and strong returns for industry, with leads coming in for 2022, 2023 and beyond,” he said.
Among the exhibitors on the Australia stand was the Melbourne Convention Bureau’s (MCB) US business development team which reported that exhibiting at IMEX America was a huge success.
MCB’s Director of Business Development, Maria Rivera, said it was one of the largest trade shows MCB had participated in since in-person events in the US restarted.
“The pre-scheduled appointments confirmed by MCB prior to attending were pivotal in developing leads in development and bids in play. There was also [a] good quality of business and RFPs from walk- ups to the stand.”
Karen Livermore, Executive Director of Sales at ID Events Australia also confirmed that their experience at the show had been positive.
She said being there was “amazing” strong support from well-established clients who have a long history of booking Australia.
“The passion and excitement is palpable! And we have already booked our first US Incentive for April 2022 – a sign that confidence is returning.”
IMEX America attracted 3,300 buyers, over 2,200 exhibiting companies and attendees from over 200 countries. There were 50,000 appointments undertaken during the show.
MCB also had an expansive business development program beyond the trade show floor.
The week started with an event of the BestCities Global Alliance of which Melbourne is a founding partner.
“At IMEX America…we have a whole community of event professionals together under the one roof and this environment is the best place to build networks and to learn from the best in the industry,” the bureau said.
The MCB’s US business development team also took part in the BestCities Global Alliance IMEX America Campfire session together with the Hybrid Cities Alliance. This is a global network of partners that foster collaboration to provide meeting professionals with access to knowledge, innovation, and tools to produce hybrid and multi-city events.
“Melbourne has a strong future pipeline of confirmed business and IMEX America was also instrumental in allowing us to engage with these clients.
“For example, Melbourne will host the Rotary International Convention in May 2023 so conversations were held to discuss logistics and the all-important delegate boosting strategy.”
MCB will also be having a presence at International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ (IAEE) Expo! Expo! In Philadelphia IBTM World in Barcelona in December.