The specialized MICE trade show and the largest global event dedicated to the meeting and incentive industry in the USA, IMEX America, took place this year at the Mandalay Bay Hotel Convention Centre in Las Vegas from October 16 to October 19, including the Smart Monday lecture and education program. The Dubrovnik Convention Bureau of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board participated in the fair, presenting its rich congress and incentive offerings and witnessing a strong recovery in all sectors of the industry, along with intense demand from international buyers.
In support of the recovery, this year's IMEX America marked a record edition in its 12-year history. With a 20% increase in rented space and a 9% increase in the number of stands, reaching a total of 360, this year's edition was the largest IMEX America so far. Nearly half of all exhibiting companies increased the size of their booths, and every market sector has grown, most by double digits. The show had 15,000 participants, with more than 5,000 buyers (including over 4,000 hosted buyers) and more than 3,400 exhibitors. The success of this year's IMEX America confirmed the rapid and robust return of the meeting and incentive industry, with growth recorded in all areas. Moreover, according to available data, IMEX America has outgrown even the largest European MICE trade shows, IMEX Frankfurt and IBTM Barcelona. Croatian participants praised the excellent organization and the excellent selection of buyers from the American market.
The Dubrovnik Tourist Board – Convention Bureau participated in IMEX America 2023 in collaboration with the Zagreb Tourist Board & Convention Bureau, with co-exhibitors Dubrovnik Sun Gardens, and Maistra hotels, as well as PCO and DMC agencies Bantours, Intours DMC and Katarina Line.
Strong Interest in Organizing Incentives and Corporate Events in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik's rich meeting and incentive offerings were presented to interested organizers through more than 30 meetings, mostly related to corporate meetings and incentive travel, with the majority coming from the United States, Canada, South America, Australia, and India. There was a prevailing interest in organizing incentive and corporate events, as well as association congresses and even large sports conferences, with Dubrovnik undoubtedly being the most sought-after Croatian destination.
When inquiring with buyers, there was a special emphasis on the availability of direct flights and connectivity with major hubs, and the fact that Dubrovnik is directly connected with the USA, specifically New York, makes a significant difference in the destination's perception. Buyers were very specific and knew what they were looking for, even if they had not been to Croatia or Dubrovnik before. They were interested in the hotel offerings, as well as the offerings of meeting and event venues, especially historical and unique spaces and destination-related novelties. They were also interested in exciting suggestions for incentive activities, such as special tours, excursions, gastronomy, and more. Several specific inquiries were noted, and work is generally underway for events in 2024, 2025, and 2026. The Head of the Convention Bureau of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board also met with representatives from The Meetings Space business forum and the Northstar Meetings group related to The Meetings Show and SMU MICE workshops in 2024.
IMEX America 2024 will also take place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. It will commence with Smart Monday on Monday, October 7, followed by a three-day fair from October 8 to October 10.