IMEX is launching a variety of new welcome programs for first timers attending its IMEX America tradeshow, taking place October 7-9 in Las Vegas. The programs provide expanded options for newcomers, building upon a series of “meet and greets” and other facilitated show tours the IMEX team has organized and trialed at both IMEX America and IMEX Frankfurt in the past.
The updated first-timers program at this year’s tradeshow will offer various options across several days of the show, including four scheduled sessions for newcomers, an increase from the one offered at previous shows.
Here are the first-timer welcome sessions attendees can expect:
- First timers: Learn how to navigate IMEX with confidence (Monday, October 6): The IMEX team will share their inside tips on how best to navigate and experience the show. Speakers from the education program will help attendees bond and connect.
- IMEX tour: Navigate Mandalay Bay with confidence (Monday, October 6): A guided tour of the show’s venue with key locations and useful “hacks” designed to help newbies hit the ground running once the show opens.
- First timers welcome, networking and orientation (Tuesday, October 7): Event production experts co-host this first-day welcome from the show floor. The IMEX team will also provide an orientation.
- Hosted buyer welcome networking, (Wednesday, October 8): The IMEX Hosted Buyer team will be joined by seasoned hosted buyers who’ll help curate personalized, market-specific conversations.
[Related: 2025 IMEX America Speaker Spotlight]
IMEX launched these programs after recognizing the challenges of navigating large events for the first time. The series aims to build community, answer questions, ease nerves and help first-time attendees get orientated quickly.
The programs are applicable to attendees in different areas of their career, from young talent entering the industry, to career-changers or seasoned professionals returning to the show after a hiatus.
“Although we’ve had first-timer tours for a short while, we really ramped up our program a couple of years ago,” said Maria Gaillez, IMEX’s senior hosted relationship manager, in a press release. “We’ve expanded it each year since then in response to demand and valuable feedback from attendees.”
Read more details on IMEX America’s first timers program.
