Pre IMEX America 2024 Starts with Dynamic Smart Monday and Innovative Brand Experience Summit

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

The highly anticipated IMEX America 2024 has officially commenced with Smart Monday, powered by Meeting Professionals International (MPI), bringing together industry leaders, corporate executives, and senior marketers for a day filled with specialist education, networking forums, and inspiring experiences. Held at the Mandalay Bay North Convention Center in Las Vegas, this year’s Smart Monday set the tone for a week of innovation, thought leadership, and valuable connections within the global meetings and events industry.

The opening day featured standout events such as the Association Leadership Forum, the Executive Meeting Forum, and the inaugural Brand Experience Summit at Allegiant Stadium. With attendees from all over the world, IMEX America 2024 is providing a platform for industry professionals to explore fresh strategies, deepen their understanding of cutting-edge trends, and engage in meaningful discussions around brand experiences, sustainability, and emerging technologies.

Association Leadership Forum and Executive Meeting Forum: Connecting Industry Leaders

Day one of IMEX America kicked off with two key networking events tailored specifically for association leaders and corporate executives. The Association Leadership Forum, created by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and sponsored by the Amsterdam Convention Bureau, brought together association executives for a day of specialist education, networking, and leadership development. These sessions focused on equipping leaders with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the ever-evolving meetings and events landscape.

Similarly, the Executive Meeting Forum, sponsored by Resorts World Las Vegas, offered senior corporate meeting planners the chance to connect with peers and exchange ideas about the future of corporate meetings. Discussions centered around best practices for creating meaningful meeting experiences, adapting to the post-pandemic corporate world, and leveraging new technologies to optimize event planning.

A Brand New Event: The Inaugural Brand Experience Summit

New for 2024, the Brand Experience Summit took center stage at Allegiant Stadium, bringing together brand experience pioneers to explore how brands can create lasting connections through shared experiences. Organized in collaboration with InVision, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), and Allegiant Stadium Private Events, the summit featured keynote presentations from Johnny Cupcakes, InVision CEO Angie Smith, and IMEX CEO Carina Bauer.

The summit was designed to help marketers, event planners, and business leaders discover how immersive brand moments can be leveraged to foster deep connections between brands and their audiences. From exploring creative campaigns to building emotional connections, the summit offered attendees a fresh perspective on the importance of brand experience in the modern marketplace.

“Brands today need to create moments that resonate, that build meaningful connections with their audience,” said Carina Bauer, IMEX CEO, during her keynote address. “At this summit, we’re diving deep into how to bring that magic to life through events, design, and storytelling.”

MPI Keynote with Andre Norman: Transformational Leadership

In addition to the forums and summits, Smart Monday was also packed with inspirational sessions designed to energize and motivate attendees. A highlight of the day was the MPI keynote delivered by Andre Norman, an expert in transformational leadership. Known for his personal story of overcoming adversity and helping others transform their lives, Norman’s keynote resonated deeply with attendees as he shared powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, and finding purpose in the face of challenges.

Norman’s message set a powerful tone for the week ahead, reminding attendees of the importance of staying purpose-driven and striving for continuous growth, both personally and professionally.

Interactive Experiences: From Roaming Poets to Four-Legged Friends

Beyond the education sessions and networking opportunities, IMEX America’s Smart Monday also featured a range of interactive experiences that gave attendees a chance to unwind, engage creatively, and connect with their peers. Attendees had the opportunity to encounter roaming poet Ryan Ashley Knowles, who offered personalized poetry inspired by the event atmosphere and conversations with participants.

Attendees were also encouraged to tap into their creative side by contributing to the Foundation for Hospital Art project, helping to paint vibrant murals aimed at brightening up hospital spaces. Additionally, attendees enjoyed meeting some very cuddly four-legged friends, providing a moment of calm amidst the buzz of Smart Monday.

Exploring Las Vegas: Walking Tours and Culinary Adventures

As Smart Monday wound down, attendees were invited to explore the iconic sights and sounds of Las Vegas through two unique experiences. The Go! Running Tours offered a walking tour of the city’s most famous landmarks, giving participants the chance to soak in the local culture and sights while staying active.

For food enthusiasts, the Lip Smacking Foodie Adventure through the eclectic Arts District provided a mouth-watering journey through some of Las Vegas’s top culinary hotspots. With a diverse selection of food and drink, the tour offered an immersive dining experience that showcased the city’s burgeoning food scene.

Closing Events: SITE NITE North America and EIC Global Awards Celebration

Rounding out the day were two prominent evening events: the SITE NITE North America at Topgolf Las Vegas and the EIC Global Awards Celebration at the Aria Resort & Casino. The SITE NITE event is a key fixture in the meetings and events industry calendar, bringing together professionals from the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) to network and celebrate the year’s achievements.

Meanwhile, the EIC Global Awards Celebration recognized industry leaders and innovators who have made significant contributions to the events industry. Hosted by the Events Industry Council (EIC), the awards ceremony honored individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in sustainability, event design, and industry advocacy.

Looking Ahead: Day Two at IMEX America

The excitement continues on Tuesday with a jam-packed agenda designed to inspire and engage attendees further. The day begins with an MPI keynote by humanitarian and mixed martial artist Justin Wren, who will explore themes of purpose, performance, and impact. Wren’s keynote promises to be a thought-provoking start to the day as he shares his experiences in philanthropy and personal transformation.

Following the keynote, the exhibit hall will open, where attendees can explore cutting-edge solutions, network with global suppliers, and discover the latest innovations in the meetings and events space. With a focus on sustainability, technology, and experience design, IMEX America’s exhibit hall offers a wealth of opportunities for professionals to connect and collaborate on projects that will shape the future of the industry.

Conclusion: A Powerful Start to IMEX America 2024

IMEX America 2024 has kicked off with an impactful start, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the globe for a week of learning, networking, and creative exploration. From Smart Monday’s powerful education sessions and interactive experiences to the innovative discussions at the Brand Experience Summit, the event has set the stage for a dynamic and engaging week ahead.

As attendees gear up for Day Two, IMEX America continues to be a cornerstone event for the meetings and events industry, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and explore the latest trends shaping the future of the industry.