How to Plan Your Best IMEX Yet

Each of the 15,000 meeting professionals who travel to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl of hospitality events comes with a purpose. They want to meet with industry partners and friends. Often, the aisles of the trade show floor turn into a hugfest. You know I am always going to embrace that outcome. But those airline tickets, hotel rooms, booths and our time aren’t free. So, in addition to renewing connections and forging new ones, I suggest taking the time to plan your ideal itinerary. That means managing your time and energy during the week of Oct. 6-9.

The good news is that IMEX Group has provided you with some fabulous resources in the form of an app that suggests people you might want to meet with and tracks to help you align with your goals. Think of this as your executive briefing to give you a better understanding of what to expect and tips for making sure you don’t miss the most important moments.

You will hear from IMEX event organizers, attendees and partners. Then, we suggest conducting your own pre-con. Whether you are part of a team dividing and conquering the IMEX-related outings or representing yourself, take the time to plan out the activities that will help you reach your personal ROE (return on energy) without leaving you too wiped out to stop for an unplanned catch-up. Sometimes, those are the best ones.

Of course, we are once again inviting everyone to stop by the Smart Meetings booth D2542 to get on the cover of the magazine. We will also be hosting a Toast to Excellence to celebrate all of our award winners (Smart Women in Meetings, Meeting Professionals of the Year, Catalyst Awards, Smart Speakers, Smart Stars and Platinum Choice winners) for a champagne toast and photo opportunity on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.

I’ll be there with our Smart Meetings Dream Team, looking for you to ask about the community’s progress and how we can help you realize your IMEX visions. A hug would be nice, too.

In admiration,

JT Long

Vice President and Editorial Director

What’s Next

From tech to green goals and local impact, IMEXcalen iterates

Carina Bauer speaking on stage
IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer

While IMEX’s experiential framework is repeated each year—Smart Monday powered by MPI, hosted-buyer appointments, a massive exhibit hall with destinations gathered from all over the world and event technology companies showing off the latest features, followed by evening dinners, receptions and fundraisers—the details evolve based on attendee feedback. One place IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer experiments and learns what meeting professionals need is the annual IMEX Frankfurt in Germany.

Listen Here: What One Thing?—Your Guide to IMEX America 2025: Innovation, Impact and Connection in Las Vegas

A More Personalized Experience

This year, the vibe at the European show was decidedly practical. “No surprise to learn that the most attended sessions were all about AI and event design,” Bauer said. Budgeting and doing more with less are always hot topics, so look for more content at IMEX America at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Las Vegas, Oct. 7-9.

One improvement in response to attendee requests is an improved, AI-assisted event app platform that will simplify scheduling meetings to make the most of the show. “We are building in small moments of fun and serendipity from before the show starts to when they’re on site,” Bauer said.

Finding the right people to meet out of the thousands of buyers and exhibitors has long been a challenge. An enhanced recommendations engine will mirror the shopping experience many enjoy online. Like shopping sites, attendees will be presented with multiple suggestions to click and immediately schedule a meeting.

“We aim to make that process as easy, efficient and effective as possible,” she said. “We are learning over time to understand how to give the right recommendations that are personalized based on behavior and not just what a person has ticked on a form because the two are often very different.”

Ongoing Lessons in Sustainability

Each year, IMEX Group reports the results of its efforts to achieve a zero-waste event by 2030 in a sustainability report. From measuring the event’s carbon footprint and waste diversion from landfills (93% in 2024) to how much food was rescued for donation (91 kg in 2024) to the percentage of event carpet returned to inventory (88% in 2024), IMEX is transparent about what it accomplished and how successful those efforts were.

“We share the results with the industry because we’re very happy if people copy us. Sometimes people just need to know what to focus on,” said Bauer.

Read More: 5 Ways to Make Your Next Event More Sustainable—Starting With the RFP

One of the things IMEX has focused on for many years is waste management. Last year, Bauer put more funding into the back-of-house labor that manages diversion, and it made a difference, so IMEX will continue that this year.

According to Bauer, something that didn’t work so well was the introduction of carbon offsetting, where attendees and exhibitors could choose to pay to offset their travel to the show. “I think that has potential, but it wasn’t a massive uptake, so we’re rethinking that,” she said.

Another focus area is water usage…because Las Vegas. That requires working with catering chefs to design menus that do not include water-intensive ingredients.

By choosing partners such as MGM Resorts for the venue, IMEX can capitalize on the massive solar and efficiency investments that have been made. About 30% renewable energy is used to power the show, and the rest they offset. “People think of Las Vegas as a place where there’s a lot of waste, but the properties on The Strip have made a massive effort in the past decade to change that with the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and practices,” she said.

IMEX has been offering sustainability tours on Smart Monday to highlight the advances.

A Local Legacy

When asked about what legacy she would like to leave, IMEX Group CEO and Smart Women in Meetings Hall of Fame winner Carina Bauer, who took over from her father, IMEX Founder Ray Bloom, focused on the little things. “I hope I can leave a legacy where people can have a great career and grow personally and professionally while enjoying the journey,” she said.

On a larger scale, her vision is that IMEX helps people to connect meaningfully across borders while driving business forward.

To leave a positive legacy on the destinations where IMEX operates, she works with charities in Frankfurt, Las Vegas and Brighton, where the company is based. She focuses on homelessness, sex exploitation and trafficking, the environment and aid to local refugees.

Impact 2.0

Each year, IMEX amplifies on a talking point. This year, it is focused on Impact 2.0: Activating the Future. During the year, there have been three focus areas. First is the science of social connection and how, in an age where tech is so prevalent, there’s a lot of disconnection. Face-to-face events have the power to connect people and aid in overall well-being and happiness. Look for a new track called Community Builders that covers the art and science of designing events for connection.

A second focus is on tips to de-risk the future, making it feel safer and more enjoyable. That includes addressing the next generation and how they define the future. To that end, IMEX has been conducting a research project with MPI to determine what young people think about the industry and how they perceive hospitality careers. The results could help point to effective ways to attract people to the industry.

That research complements a new Talking Point report: “How to Lead with Impact in Extreme Times,” which concluded true leadership is about service, not status based on event expert insights and a pair of case studies. Many of the points in the report will be explored in depth in the new Culture and Leadership track and throughout the show.

What to Wear

From the sparkle that dominates the Las Vegas Booth to Canada’s signature red, IMEX style is everywhere. We predict that the tennis-shoes-with-everything trend will continue to manage the marathon steps required to cover all that territory. We look forward to seeing all the Be Bright Together butterfly pins, but for tips on how to make an appropriate statement, we turned to a fashion expert.

Edward Perotti, CEO, Edward Perotti Events & Experiences

Finding the right mix of comfort, professionalism and personal style is essential for making a great impression at IMEX. My husband of 22 years is a personal stylist, and here is what he has told me to maintain that balance!

Know Your Brand

Start by thinking about what you want your wardrobe to say about you. Whether in a creative or corporate field, your clothing should reflect your personality and values.

Embrace Comfort 

Choose soft, well-fitting clothes that allow you to move with ease. Many stylish options today blend comfort with a polished look—like stretchy blazers and chic, comfortable shoes (we all will do a massive amount of walking).

Stay Professional  

While expressing your style is important, professionalism matters too. Tailored pieces and thoughtful accessories can elevate your look without sacrificing comfort.

Let Your Personality Shine  

Incorporate unique items that reflect your interests, like a favorite scarf or quirky jewelry. Wearing something true to you boosts confidence and shows your individuality.

Align Your Style

Make sure your outfits tell your story. If you’re in a creative role, express that through your clothing. If you’re in a corporate role, add subtle personal touches to keep it professional.

Own Your Shape

When dressing for industry events, own your shape! Dress for the body you have today, not the one you hope to have. Dressing authentically while maintaining professionalism becomes your emotional key to feeling great and making an impact this year at IMEX. When you love what you wear, it shows—and that confidence can make all the difference!

Something for Everyone

Tahira Endean on personalizing your IMEX experience

Tahira Endean
IMEX Head of Program Tahira Endean

With more than 150 education sessions during the week, how can you make sure you are hitting the presentations that will set you up to thrive in the coming year? We asked IMEX Head of Program Tahira Endean.

Smart Monday, powered by MPI, is divided into tracks to make the choices easier. Whether you are looking for Event Logistics (budgeting, contracts, F&B) or Experiential Event design (neuro-inclusion, unconscious bias and all things inclusive), those sessions might be what you need to elevate your next experience. Other tracks cover marketing and engagement, tech innovation and even wellness. Whether you are an association or corporate planner, the agenda includes sessions designed for you.

IMEX America officially kicks off at Mandalay Bay Convention Center on Tuesday morning, and shuttles are available from most properties on the strip. Armed with your pre-printed badge (you can print on-demand and on site) and app schedule, you will encounter music, art and activations before you even hit the show floor.

“Whether you are an association or corporate planner, the agenda includes sessions designed for you.”

−Tahira Endean

MPI keynotes kick off each day at 8:30 a.m. with meaningful insights. This year’s lineup includes Rob Lawless, who will discuss The Untapped Value of Human Connection, Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa, who will talk about Workplace Wellness that’s Smart for Business, and Elliot Eisenberg, who will discuss Navigating the Complexities of Macroeconomic Business Success.

Once inside, more than 3,000 booths await, grouped geographically by destination and hotel brand. Event tech and services are on hand to answer questions, along with industry associations and media. Most have fun activations happening in their booths throughout the event, so leaving time in the schedule to explore is never a bad idea. “It is the global heartbeat of the industry,” Endean said.

Tucked on the far side is the Inspiration Hub, which will be activated with 15-, 25- and 45-minute personal and professional development and a pause for midday somatic breathing. The growing tech zone nearby will have its own stage managed by Dahlia+Agency.

“Our industry continues to evolve, and we are committed to creating the best human experiences on the planet by sharing those insights with the rising talent,” Endean said. Mentor roundtables on Thursday morning will help bridge that gap.

Also back in that area is Encore’s immersive experience designed to inspire AV content conversations.

Most sessions will have AI summaries generated by Spark’s Snapsight bullets available in the app, whether you have time to attend in person or not.

“There are lots of options to both learn, connect and take care of yourself even before you get to the meetings,” Endean said.

Choose Your Adventure

As you can see, IMEX is not one thing. Attendees can choose from a wide range of experiences. The keynote will be filled with almost 15,000 of your best friends having a shared experience. But an hour later, it could be you and 20 other people on headsets, having more intimate conversations with panels of industry people who do the work daily and can share what’s working for them. That doesn’t include the campfire discussions where everyone exchanges information and the meetings in the aisle that lead to the next big conference proposal. “Those are often some of the best conversations,” Endean said.

Those diverse ways of interacting are not an accident. Endean intentionally plans multiple ways to interact so everyone can engage optimally. “We all learn differently. Everybody has different needs and preferences. We have to have something to meet all their needs,” Endean said.

Because the world doesn’t stop when we go to a conference, there will also be areas sprinkled throughout the show floor to sit down and check email or manage a proposal.

And when it gets to be too much, the Resilience Space and Zen Pods are available for anyone who needs to take a breath and sit for a minute.

Alternatively, Circadian Cove, powered by David T. Stephens’ Olympian Meetings, will offer physical activities based on the time of day and human needs.

Make Time

“Plan the things that matter and then leave yourself space for serendipity,” Endean said. “This is a place of relationships; take time to play.”

Calendar This

EIC Global Awards

Monday, Oct. 6, 5:30 p.m., Bellagio Resort & Casino

SITE NITE

Monday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m.-11 p.m., The INDUSTRIAL Event Space

Smart Meetings-led Panel Discussion

“How to Maximize IRL Trust in the Age of AI”: Wednesday, October 8, 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m., People and Planet Theater, Inspiration Hub

Smart Meetings Toast to Excellence

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 4 p.m. Booth D2542

MPI Foundation Rendezvous: TK

Tailor Every Touchpoint

Experiential experts share insights on maximizing personalization

By Kate Zaliznock

Every seasoned meeting prof knows personalization is the key to making attendees feel top of mind in every way. In today’s competitive events landscape, experiential design has emerged as one of the most powerful ways to create those personal connections and leave guests with lifetime memories. From thoughtful pre-event touches to immersive on-site experiences, the opportunities to tailor each moment are endless. To help you make the most of them, we tapped leading experts to share how planners can set themselves up for success when partnering with an experiential agency.

Robyn Henry, VP project delivery at TAIT

Robyn Henry

Start by asking the question: What does the win look like? What does success look like when we walk away from this? If it’s a high level of customization, know that it can require a lot of lead time. If you’re sending out hand-delivered invitations, or if it’s as simple as creating a customization station for sneakers, hats, bags or other items on site, you’ll need to book the right people in advance and order the right product. Digging into those logistical details will help you figure out how the execution will go.

Be thoughtful about how many touchpoints you want to incorporate. Is it everything? Is it nothing? Maybe you don’t have a huge budget, so what can you do with just a little? Even one simple touchpoint, like a concierge greeting everyone as they arrive and handing them a personalized itinerary for the day, is an easy, low-lift option that still requires thought and a focus on knowing the attendees and what they want to experience.

Especially be aware that those things take time. For planners just starting to wrap their arms around what experiential can offer, it’s important to understand the value it adds and what goes into creating that wow factor.

Aaron Levinthal Aaron Levinthal, chief experiential officer, MAS

People don’t want to just watch—they want to touch, interact and participate.

Do your homework. Deeply understand your audience—their preferences, habits and aspirations—so every touch point feels intentional. Build personalization into the registration process to gather meaningful data that can be used creatively on site.

Also, know the brand’s competitors and what’s been done before. Use that research to find fresh, unexpected approaches.

We do this whenever we work with a new client—look at past events, social media reactions and any pain points. There’s so much public data out there; use it to walk in informed and ready to guide the brand’s vision.

Beyond the IMEX Show Floor

Bleisure delights abound before and after

Canyon

Maybe you’ve been to Vegas a zillion times but have rarely ventured beyond the hotel and expo floor. Maybe you’ve crossed the country or even international borders to attend IMEX. Wouldn’t it be a shame to rush right back? Bleisure travel has never looked better in and around this ever-evolving, ever-amazing, neon-lit desert oasis. Herewith, tips gleaned from Las Vegas insiders.

In Las Vegas

Catch a falling star: OK, a star whose brilliance has dimmed a bit but is still a memory in the making. Like Jerry Seinfeld, who has three shows at Caesars Palace in early October. And The Eagles, whose residency at The Sphere includes dates just before and after IMEX. Another blast from the past, Barry Manilow, has an ongoing residency at Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. And Steve Martin and Martin Short are the “Dukes of Funnytown” at Wynn Las Vegas.

Vroom! Vroom: The new F1 attraction at Grand Prix Plaza bills itself as the world’s largest immersive Formula 1 thrill. Go-kart a stretch of the official Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Bask in the high-octane, F1 4-D interactive experience. Check out F1 history, artifacts and supercar oh-wows.

Only-in-Vegas museum hop: Nowhere else will you find such outre offerings as the Mob Museum, Neon Museum, Pinball Hall of Fame, Punk Rock Museum, Las Vegas Showgirls Museum…and also excellent, more conventional exhibits like the refined Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, where on display in October is “American Duet: Jazz & Abstract Art.”

AREA15 Immersion: Over 20 attractions, experiential art and food, rides, games and exhibits aim to blur boundaries between the imagined and the real. Newest is Universal Horror Unleased, featuring four haunted houses, themed entertainment areas, retail and dining.

Cruise the arts: Should you be in town Oct. 3, catch First Friday in the Arts District, a walkable downtown ‘hood a 10-minute Uber from The Strip; the monthly celebration attracts thousands to its indie art galleries, pop-up crafts markets, secondhand stores, coffee shops and craft breweries. If not, almost any other time there is a slice of local culture and a soulful contrast to the casino hotels.

I Will Survive: It’s 1970s New York City again, and there’s no better place to let loose than the interactive dance show of Spiegelworld’s “DISCOSHOW” at the Linq. C’mon, you know you want to party! Squirm into your sequins and hop on the Love Train.

Old-school LV: The pedestrian-only five blocks of Fremont Street in downtown Vegas is where it all began at the city’s first casinos, and today it’s a nighttime high-energy stroll of street performers, retro neon and live music enticing you into the bars. Worth it for the nearly 1,400-foot-long LED canopy overhead, one of the largest video screens in the world.

Take the plunge: Relax before or after IMEX at one of the city’s beach clubs. Temps will likely be in the 80s during the day, so indulge in a private cabana (many with accompanying plunge pools) at a daily pool party with a DJ to spin the mood and frozen cocktails to ice the vibe. Daylight Beach Club at Mandalay Bay is one of the best.

Shop till you stop: If retail therapy is your thing, two of the best venues in which to indulge are Fashion Show Mall and Town Square Shopping Center.

Asia in the sand: Massive Chinatown Plaza Shopping Center is fronted by an imposing Tang Dynasty-style gate beckoning visitors to more than 150 restaurants for budget-friendly Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and other Asian fare, as well as karaoke bars, spas and shops.

Pink Jeep toursBright lights on wheels: You haven’t really seen Vegas until you’ve seen it aglow after dark…by Jeep. Climb into an open-air Pink Jeep for an info-packed guided tour past all the best casino resort lights, with stops to pose for photos at iconic landmarks and a spin on the 550-tall High Roller. A Jeep and helicopter combo is also on offer.

Daytripping

Climb to cooler climes: The Mt. Charleston Scenic Byway leads from Las Vegas up into the Spring Mountains, where Charleston Peak towers at 11,916 feet. Recreational areas offer hiking, nature walks and other outdoor fun. In and around the small town of Mt. Charleston are dining options, mountain boutiques and outfitters.

Gobsmacked by the Hoover: Less than an hour from The Strip, gigantic Hoover Dam created Lake Mead, the largest man-made body of water in North America, by holding back the Colorado River—and it took more than 5,000 workers to build it during the Great Depression. You can walk across the dam, take a guided tour that includes the power plant, plus kayak or boat on the river. Make a stop at historic Boulder City, with its strip of restaurants, bars, shops and Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum, a paean to the history of special makeup effects in the movies.

A nearby geological playground: Red Rock Canyon is only minutes from the neon but a world apart. This national conservation area offers hiking, rock climbing, biking and amazing photo ops. A scenic drive of about 12 miles takes you past jaw-dropping, iron-rich rock formations in stratified layers of rose, chalk white and burn sienna.

Stunning sandstone creations: Another natural wonder less than an hour away, Valley of Fire State Park is even more dramatic than Red Rock, with Aztec Sandstone formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago.

Add a Few Days

Bucket list abyss: The Paiute tribe called it the Mountain Lying Down, but we know it as the Grand Canyon, a wonder of the world that’s only about a four-hour drive from Las Vegas. If you can, stay overnight at one of the lodgings within the national park.

Zip over to Zion: Another of our great parks is in southwest Utah, yet Zion National Park is only about two hours away. Its steep red cliffs can be admired on the scenic drive that leads to forest trails along the Virgin River, which in turn flows to pools, waterfalls and a hanging garden.

Face death: America’s largest national park in the lower 48 states is also only a two-hour drive. October is one of the most temperate times to visit Death Valley National Park, which has the distinction of being the lowest point in North America, at 282 feet below sea level at Badwater Basin.

Through the Meeting Planner’s Wardrobe: A Guide to IMEX Must-Sees

Exhibitors you won’t want to miss

Attending IMEX is like falling through the magical wardrobe designed for meeting professionals. With 5,700+ buyers and 3,500+ exhibitors, it is always helpful to have a road map to some of Smart Meetings’ favorite exhibitors. Make sure you look for these can’t-miss booths on the show floor!

Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa: Nestled in the beautiful beaches of Ko Olina on the coast of O’ahu, Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa houses over 800 luxury rooms, which also include 16 suites, 481 villas, two restaurants and three lounges. Aulani Resort offers planners 76,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space and a 21,000-square-foot conference center. Whether seeking a little beachside magic, looking to accomplish some business or both, Aulani has everything you need.

Boise Centre terrace
Boise Centre

Boise Centre: With walkable access to downtown, Boise Centre is near over 100 restaurants, cafes, shops and bars, fully integrating the city experience into your next event. Boise Centre itself is 86,000 sq. ft., including 31 flexible meeting rooms and event spaces with gorgeous views of the Boise Foothills.

Florida Keys & Key West Monroe County: Head to the beaches of Florida at Play Largo, which offers 14.5 acres of paradise and 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor spaces. Another amazing resort in the Florida Keys is Isla Bella Beach, which offers beautiful white sands, a view of vibrant blue waters and 20,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor space. Another great location in Key West is Casa Marina, which completed a full property renovation in 2024 and has 11,000 sq. ft. of indoor event space and 46,000 sq. ft. of outdoor event space, along with housing Key West’s largest private beach.

Grand Hotel meeting room
Grand Hotel meeting room

Grand Hotel Salem: Situated directly next to the Salem Convention Center, Grand Hotel Salem makes it easy for planners and attendees to move between their guest rooms and their next session. Grand Hotel Salem holds 193 guest rooms and premier suites, and the Salem Convention Center boasts 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and can host up to 1,500 attendees.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Bring your next event to the ocean’s edge. The Monterey Bay Aquarium allows planners to create immersive meeting experiences, whether at the Open Sea exhibit featuring sea turtles and puffins or the Kelp Forest exhibit, which stands 28 feet tall. Planning a corporate dinner? The in-house culinary team can create a tasty and sustainable menu that focuses on fresh and local ingredients.

Rosen Centre Orlando:  With 24 stories above International Drive and a direct skywalk connection to Orange County Convention Center, Rosen Centre Orlando offers planners a fully integrated hub for high-impact events. The hotel’s 1,334 modern guest rooms pair seamlessly with over 160,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting space, including 35 breakout rooms and a stunning 35,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, creating an efficient, walkable ecosystem designed for attendees on the move.

Venetian Las Vegas
Venetian Las Vegas

Venetian Las Vegas: Fall into the modern-day, Renaissance-inspired art and architecture of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Incorporate Vegas-level entertainment, including Gondola Rides, Madam Tussauds Wax Museum and celebrity chef-helmed restaurants to make your event come to life. Not to mention the 2,250,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and 7,093 guest rooms.

Visit Cincy: Enjoy all Cincinnati offers, including The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection, which honors its roots in the Lytle Park Historic District with park-inspired designs. Lytle Park Hotel also contains 11,852 sq. ft. and seven event rooms. But don’t forget The Westin Cincinnati, located in the city’s downtown, which boasts 456 rooms and suites overlooking the historic Fountain Square. For an Art Deco experience, check out the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, with 41,573 sq. ft. and 561 guest rooms.

Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center exterior
Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center

Visit Dallas: Everything is bigger in Texas, but it is also convenient. Omni Dallas Hotel is connected to the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center via a skybridge and close to the Dallas Arts District. The hotel has 1,001 guest rooms and 110,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The connected Kay Bailey Convention Center also offers an expanded canvas of 1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space.

Event at El Paso Convention Center
El Paso Convention Center

Visit El Paso: Host your next event under the desert skies, with vibrant murals and culinary offerings unlike anywhere else. The downtown El Paso Convention Center offers more than 133,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, making the city a rising star for inspired gatherings. It’s also conveniently situated near Arts Festival Plaza, the historic Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre and several major museums!

Broward County Convention Center
Broward County Convention Center

Visit Fort Lauderdale: Amid a renovation that will continue through 2025, Broward County Convention Center is incorporating an expansion of 350,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, which will result in more than 1.2 million sq. ft., including a 65,000 sq. ft. waterfront ballroom and a six-acre outdoor plaza.

Visit Memphis: Bring your group to where the history of blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll blends seamlessly with the Mississippi River. Thanks to its recent $200 million modernization, Renasant Convention Center now features 300,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting, exhibit and pre-function spaces, with natural light and magnificent river views that give planners everything they need to create elevated and inspired events.

Seattle Convention Center interior
Seattle Convention Center

 Visit Seattle: With a blend of natural wonder and next-gen design, Seattle Convention Center offers ample space and resources to create an electric and engaging event. The original Arch Building at 705 Pike Street holds 434,080 sq. ft. of event space with 70 individual rooms. The newest edition, Summit, has 570,290 sq. ft. of event space.

 Visit Starkville:  Starkville offers a variety of meeting options for planners. The Mill, housed at Mississippi State University, offers an expansive 42,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space and 12 meeting areas. A mile away, Hilton Garden Inn Starkville contains 5,518 sq. ft. of event space, six meeting rooms and 105 guest rooms.

How to Be Well at IMEX

By David T. Stevens

imex run

One of the best-kept secrets of IMEX is this: It’s not about doing everything. The agenda is intentionally abundant so you can tailor it to what matters most to you. Think of it like a buffet; you don’t need to pile your plate with everything in sight. Pick what nourishes you.

Start with the non-negotiables: staying hydrated and shoes that can carry you comfortably through 10,000 steps (and then some). Then, be strategic. Look at your schedule and group your appointments so you’re not zig-zagging the entire show floor all day. You’ll conserve energy and arrive at your meetings present, not frazzled.

The same principle applies to the social scene. Yes, there are endless parties, dinners and receptions, but you don’t need to hit them all. Ask yourself which will genuinely energize you, and let the rest go. If you leave exhausted, with no energy to follow up afterward, the event hasn’t really served its purpose.

Remember, wellness shouldn’t be one more box to check off; it’s part of how you succeed here. Step into the Heka Health wellness challenges or jump into the #Fit4Events Push-Up Challenge to recharge with a dose of friendly competition. If cocktails aren’t your thing (or even if they are), join the Soft Cocktail Crawl for a refreshing way to connect. If it all gets to be a bit “much,” pause for a Conference Mindfulness Session online from Olympian Meeting, the Resilience Lounge or the new Circadian Cove.

At IMEX, the real ROI comes when you leave energized, not drained. Protect your well-being, and you’ll maximize every connection.

This article appears in the September 2025 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.

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