Gallery: Inside IMEX America 2025Gallery: Inside IMEX America 2025

IMEX America, held October 7-9 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, posted record attendance with more than 17,000 participants and the biggest exhibition floor in the trade show’s 15-year history, demonstrating the resilience of the global business events sector amid ongoing economic uncertainties and the U.S. government shutdown. 

“This has been a record-breaking week where we’ve seen first-hand how transformative it is for our industry to meet face to face, to shake hands, do business and build bonds,” said IMEX CEO Carina Bauer during a press conference on Oct. 9. “The strength in numbers across the board is a sign of a sector that’s both purposeful and powerful right now.” 

Bauer also announced IMEX America signed contracts with MGM to host the show at Mandalay Bay through 2030 and with its service contractor GES through 2030, as well.  

“These renewals give all our partners and clients added confidence and certainty for the future,” she said. “In addition, we’ve confirmed our strategic partnership with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) for the next five years.” 

IMEX America 2026 takes place Oct. 13-15 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. 

Take a peek at 20 photos from this year's three-day trade show.