IMEX America 2026

At the 2025 edition, IMEX America reported the largest trade show in North America for the meetings and events industry, with 6,145 buyers from 74 countries. Of those, 4,729 were hosted buyers from 67 countries and 1,416 were visitor (attendee) buyers from 48 countries.

By nature of business, agency buyers made up 55%, corporate 28%, association 10%, independent planners 5% and government/university 2%. Buying power was substantial: 70% of buyers controlled budgets over $1M and 25% controlled budgets over $10M, while 45% were at director level or above. The exhibitor side featured 3,700-plus exhibiting companies representing more than 80 countries.

Registration for IMEX America 2026 is open online via the official website, and the show is free to attend for industry professionals. The show is free to attend for industry professionals and students studying event management, and attendee registration continues right up until the end of the event.

There are two main ways to take part:

1. Attend independently – register for a free pass to access the show floor and education program.
2. Apply to the hosted buyer program – qualified meeting professionals can apply for free, flexible flights, free accommodations and VIP treatment.

Note that booking exclusive IMEX hotel rates and flight offers requires show registration first.

Since 2001, IMEX has focused on uniting the global meetings and events industry. The first IMEX America event was held in Las Vegas in 2011 at the Sands Expo Convention Centre, which is now the Venetian Expo Centre.

The show later moved to its long-time home at Mandalay Bay and has grown into North America's largest trade show for the business events industry. IMEX America and IMEX Frankfurt are the two major annual events organized by IMEX Events. The show's economic significance to its host city has also been notable; in 2017, IMEX America's estimated economic impact on Las Vegas was $23.7 million.