The second IMEX America, already claimed to be the largest US trade show for the events industry, opened in Las Vegas with the news that the show had expanded by 28 per cent in only its second year.

The show is organised by Brighton-based Regent Exhibitions, the same company that stages IMEX in Frankfurt.

With 2,413 exhibiting companies, 40 per cent of which had increased their space over last year, the organisers pointed to growth from all geographical regions and particularly among non-USA exhibitors, although the US area of the show is significant.  Space taken from exhibitors representing Africa and the Middle East is up by 49 per cent, Asia by 29 per cent, the Caribbean by 61 per cent, Latin America by 50 per cent and European exhibitors are up by 14 per cent with Germany this year’s single biggest exhibitor.

Within the industry supply chain, cruise lines have shown a strong appetite for booth space with representation 33 per cent greater than last year while the hotel sector has increased by 31 per cent.

This year organisers expect 2,400 hosted buyers to attend the show at the Sands Expo and Convention Center with significant increases in buyers from the US, Latin America, Europe and Asia in particular. Around 1,700 non-hosted attendees are also set to visit with a range of new and extended benefits for buyer attendees including free shuttle bus transfers; free Wi-Fi hotspots, invitations to supplier - buyer receptions and access to the IMEX online exhibitor appointment scheduling system.

One of the show’s high points again is its extensive, free professional development and education programme powered by Meeting Professionals International (MPI).

Pictured: The show floor at IMEX America