IMEX announces increased business opportunities

IMEX also announces substantial space increases by suppliers and destinations, and a growing US presence with Texas, the Philadelphia Convention Bureau, New York City, Las Vegas and New World Travel Inc increasing space.

The IMEX Wild Card Pavilion will give an opportunity to discover emerging destinations. And other IMEX classics will be there: the MPI IMEX Future Leaders Programme (invitations and specific programme for students), the IMEX Women´s Forum, Cross-Cultural training and the Politicians´ Forum, the Association Day and of course the IMEX Green Awards. For the first time IMEX will be offering “green” workshops on its Corporate Responsibility Stand. Tamara Kennedy, Executive Director of the Green Meeting Industry Council and Fiona Pelham, Founding Member of Positive Impact, will present sessions to help visitors become green.

IMEX´s own environmental commitment was reflected last year in a 20% reduction of waste. IMEX continues with its use of hydroelectric power for 2009 when this will be offered to exhibitors for the first time. Organisers will use more than 21,000 recyclable, compostable plastic badges, anti-idling policies on courtesy buses and locally-sourced food and other supplies wherever possible. Other green innovations include the introduction of plant silk (a totally organic material) for all badge lanyards.

The education programme has also been extended. The theme of “innovation” will underpin its delivery over four days. Interactive workshops will combine with dedicated seminars to explore the value and purpose of innovation across the industry. A variety of presentations will examine issues such as the driving forces rapidly shaping the industry´s future, the real meaning of creativity, and fresh approaches to meeting organisation. IMEX will also launch a new educational concept – Meetings Under The Microscope – which will explain visitors the newest techniques that can be employed in meetings planning, environment, psychology and marketing.