Podcast booths, tech offerings and community
If you’ve never been to IMEX, you’ll definitely hear stories about it. People will tell you to wear comfy shoes, that the show floor is massive and that you have to experience it to truly understand.
All of that is true. My flat shoes were my salvation, as was my slightly oversized purse that held all my necessities, from a water bottle to a stack of business cards.
Below are a few key takeaways and moments that stood out most from my time at IMEX America 2025.
Podcast Booths Are a Game-Changer
I had the chance to test one of the podcast booths in the press area. As a remote podcaster, it was a surprisingly seamless experience. The screen outside the booth showed availability, and after scanning a QR code, I could easily book my session.
Considering how loud the show floor can get, it was a relief to record in a quiet, comfortable space, no background chatter, no competing voices, just focused sound and conversation.
The IMEX Map Is Life
I don’t know what I would have done on my first day without the live IMEX map. I felt like a character in a video game searching for my next quest. The clearly labeled booth names and easy-to-use search bar saved me so much time and helped me track down interviews faster than if I’d wandered aimlessly.
Headsets and Breathers
As someone who can get overstimulated easily, I appreciated the quiet spaces where I could stop, breathe and plan my next move.
The education session headsets were another small but impactful touch. They made it easy to tune in and actually focus on the speaker’s content without distractions, a noticeable difference compared with sessions where I didn’t have one.
Community Is Everywhere
IMEX is designed to bring the global meetings community together, but it’s the small, human moments that stuck with me most.
At one point, I overheard two women complimenting another attendee’s outfit. She laughed and admitted it was her first IMEX and that she’d overpacked. It was a heartwarming reminder that even amid the buzz and business of the show, thoughtfulness and connection are woven into every corner.
