England’s hedge people at IMEX
The Dana crew recently returned from IMEX America 2015, the show’s milestone 5th edition. First-timers and half-decade veterans alike were awestruck by the exhilarating pace and colorful pageantry of this colossal production that truly illuminates the Vegas Strip.
In 2011, the IMEX team first introduced the original format used for IMEX in Frankfurt, Germany to an American audience in Las Vegas. In only five years, IMEX America has now officially doubled in size, becoming the largest meetings industry event in the U.S.—the hub of the trade and a can’t-miss annual rendezvous for nearly 11,000 key players from around the world.
What makes IMEX different and so successful? Dana noted several standouts at this special show that anyone looking to host or participate in a trade show should consider factoring into their planning:
Extreme Exhibits
Across the show floor, there was business buzzing, but also lots of energy and enticing gimmicks to get big attention at the booths. Palm Springs’ standout SHAG display was a playful 3-D interpretation of the famous artist, Josh Agle’s, illustration. The Netherlands, washed in bright orange from their shoes to suits to tabletops, was impossible to miss. Columbia brewed 2,850 cups of coffee to draw in crowds. Photo ops abound, including a sumo wrestler from Japan, live hedge people at the England booth and Cirque du Soleil costume try-ons. Being creative and thinking outside-of-the-box invited engagement and many memorable experiences for several destinations.
Personal Enrichment
The IMEX Run
Putting visitors’ needs first is a powerful motivator and the healthful outlook at IMEX resonated with participants, who eagerly recharged. Innovative Vision Initiatives and 2015’s “Be Well at IMEX” program offered thought-provoking experiences designed to enrich mind, body and being. Free of charge, visitors could find massage stations, yoga sessions, a meditation room and Play Room activities to feel relaxed and enriched. New this year, the #IMEXRun was a challenge accepted by over 400 participants down the Vegas Strip.
Video, Video, Video
Making a consistent appearance at booths this year were video presentations, large and small. In some cases, the exhibit itself was anchored by a single, oversized screen running as the backdrop. Others used smaller screens and handhelds to deliver their video presentations. Overall, this technology was prominently on display and used effectively to make a powerful, visual impact.
Value Adds For All
Participants benefited from a vast variety of educational and networking opportunities that were both enticing and career building. From keynote speakers to campfire chats to Deep Dive seminars, people came to talk shop and learn from leading experts and each other. These types of events increase social interactions outside of the typical meeting room and enable individuals to develop themselves—through business connections, by learning about the industry and new ways of doing business, or taking advantage of all the great education available. It’s all about encouraging people to become better individuals, better professionals, and helping the industry overall.
Try Your Hand at a Fantastic Trade Show
IMEX and its participants keep topping themselves. Dana will take you to the next level, too. Contact Lynn Kaniper at lkaniper@danacommunications.com or 609.466.9187 ext. 117.
