What a week! It was brilliant to attend IMEX America for the first time and connect with so many people from across the events industry in a destination like no other: Las Vegas.
But after the entire whirlwind experience, I definitely learnt a few lessons that I would like to share for anyone planning to go next year. Whether you’ll be a first-timer too, or haven’t been in a few years and need reminding of what to expect…
The jetlag is different
In this job we travel East and West, all over the world. Some struggle in one direction, others are the opposite. But Las Vegas jetlag is a different breed altogether. Not only is it -8hrs from the UK, and an 11hr journey time direct, but the city is uniquely stimulating and successfully adjusting and getting enough sleep is near impossible. Particularly when the show starts early, dinners follow straight after and evenings are filled with late-night networking.
Advice: Try to fly out a few days before, or attend a pre-FAM on a similar timezone to help with the adjustment.
Your step counts are insane
All trade shows are exhausting, and comfy shoes are recommended at any exhibition (gone are the days of having to wear shoes or heels to look ‘professional’) but Vegas trade shows are another level entirely. IMEX is easily the biggest industry show I’ve been to, dwarfing all UK and European counterparts, and just to get from one end to the other can literally take about 30 mins (if you include the impromptu stops). But then when you factor in the sheer size and scale of Vegas casino hotels, and the time it can take to walk from just the neighbouring property - your step count will no doubt double any daily target you set.
Advice: Comfy shoes, a change of socks and plan some time to just sit down and take a load off!
Diarise some nap time
This might sound ridiculous for a professional adult to say, but honestly I can’t think of any other way to survive the long days, insane step counts and unique jetlag - napping is needed. If you really want to get the most out of your experience at IMEX America then a lot of it requires you to be mentally and physically present in the evenings too. The dinners and parties are a great way to connect with lots of people in one place and are where some of the best relationships are formed. But in order to have the energy after a long day on the showfloor - you will need to nap!
Advice: Schedule your meetings so that you’re done early enough to make your way back to your hotel for a quick power nap so you’re ready for the evening.
Your navigation skills will be tested
Even orienteering experts will struggle to find their way around the showfloor at first. Purely because it’s a massive show and there are just so many stands. When you first step through the doors it’s very easy to get overwhelmed, and even though there is a map on the floor you will no doubt struggle to get your lay of the land at first. But once you do you soon realise the hotel brands are grouped together, the US destinations are grouped together, Europe is grouped together etc. There is a logic to the layout. The only thing that can catch you out is whether a specific hotel is on their destination stand, or their brand stand.
Advice: Give yourself time on the first day to walk around and explore before your meetings start, and try to check in advance where your meetings are.
Embrace serendipity
You will definitely say to people ahead of the show “let’s catch up in Vegas”. But the chances are half the people you planned to see, you won’t see. It’s just the nature of the beast. Unless you formally diarise some time (and even then things can change) it’s unlikely you’ll catch up with all your industry friends. However, the beauty of IMEX America is you will definitely make some new friends. Some of the best ‘meetings’ I had at the show were impromptu and serendipitous. Use it as an opportunity to make new connections and get out to as many things as you possibly can!
Advice: Firm up any important meetings, clear time to walk the floor and attend as many showfloor and after-show events as you can and just embrace the chaos!
What’s more, there’s always something new to discover. From destinations and hotels I hadn’t come across before to hearing different perspectives from across the industry, IMEX was a great reminder of how much there is to learn and just how many opportunities are out there. With so many destinations, venues and suppliers under one roof, it was great to explore what’s available and think about the possibilities for future client events.
A huge thank you to Rebecca Petit-Jean and the team at Accor for hosting me and making my first IMEX such a great experience. And then taking us on a bucket-list post-event FAM trip to the beautiful Banff and Lake Louise.
I’ve come away with new connections, fresh ideas and plenty of inspiration to bring back to Black Book.