IMEX America 2026

Every October, Las Vegas becomes a meeting point for professionals shaping the future of business events, meetings and incentive travel. From October 13–15, 2026, IMEX America will bring thousands of buyers, exhibitors and industry professionals together at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

More than a trade show, IMEX America is a place to discover new destinations, build partnerships, exchange ideas and explore how the events industry is evolving.

A Global Meeting Point

The scale of IMEX America is reflected in its numbers. In 2025, the event welcomed:

• 17,633 total participants

• 6,145 buyers from 74 countries

• 3,700 exhibiting companies representing 80+ countries

• 92,000 meetings booked

• 91 press attendees from 12 countries

The audience includes meeting planners, event agencies, corporate event professionals, association executives and incentive travel buyers. On the exhibition floor, destinations meet hotels, venues, airlines, cruise lines, technology companies and other suppliers serving the global events industry.

What to Expect in 2026

The 2026 edition will begin with Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on October 12, followed by three days of the main show.

Education is a major part of the programme, with more than 300 seminars, workshops and keynote sessions covering subjects such as leadership, technology, AI, event design, marketing and sustainability.

This year's central theme is Design Matters, focusing on how thoughtful design can influence the way events work, feel and are remembered.

Key dates

• Smart Monday: October 12

• Main event: October 13–15

• Venue: Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

• Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:30am–5:30pm

• Thursday: 9:30am–4pm

• Attendance: Free for meeting professionals

Beyond the Exhibition Floor

Some of the most valuable moments at IMEX happen outside scheduled appointments. Networking events, evening gatherings and activities across Las Vegas create additional opportunities for professionals to connect in a less formal setting.

With the event taking place at Mandalay Bay, attendees can also combine meetings with the city's restaurants, hotels, entertainment and other experiences. 

For those with tightly scheduled programmes, planning Las Vegas transportation between the airport, hotel, venue and evening events can make the experience considerably more seamless.

Sustainability in Focus

Sustainability is also becoming an increasingly important part of the business events industry, and IMEX has made it a central part of its own operations.

At the 2025 show:

• 90% of waste was diverted from landfill

• 90kg of show food was recovered for donation

• 87% of show carpet was returned to inventory

IMEX's wider sustainability goals include reducing carbon emissions by 20% by 2030, increasing circularity across exhibitor participation and supporting the Las Vegas community.

Why IMEX America Matters

For anyone working in business events, IMEX America offers a concentrated view of where the industry is heading: more connected, more technology-driven, more experience-focused and increasingly conscious of its environmental impact.

For three days, Las Vegas becomes a place where destinations, ideas and business opportunities come together — making IMEX America an important date on the international events calendar.