IMEX America 2025 Preview: 7 Things You Need to KnowIMEX America 2025 Preview: 7 Things You Need to Know
TSNN chatted with IMEX Head of Program Tahira Endean on what's new this year, can't-miss speakers, and more.
September 30, 2025
It's that time of year again. IMEX America returns in full force next week, Oct. 7-9, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center (MBCC) in Las Vegas. This year, the show expects to draw more than 29,000 attendees to Sin City for a trade show chock-full of domestic and global destinations, tech, and other solutions specifically for event professionals.
Aside from the exhibitors and one-on-one appointments, attendees can expect more than 150 education sessions, more than 200 speakers, and a host of wellness activities and activations. To take us through it, TSNN tapped IMEX Head of Program Tahira Endean. She shared what's new and can't-miss at IMEX America 2025.
IMEX has expanded its Tech Education stage, after its high foot traffic last year, said IMEX Head of Program Tahira Endean.
1. Programming for first-timers
IMEX America has long been a newbie-friendly show, and this year is no different. A first-timer's orientation will take place on Monday, Oct. 6, at 3:45 p.m. at MBCC.
"They can come in, meet each other, and play around a bit with some fun presenters that we have in there," Endean said. "They'll get the top tips from team members and then get split into groups and go on a tour, if they're not familiar with Mandalay Bay, to get a sense of where everything is laid out. Having that sense of comfort at the beginning of a show makes it so much easier to navigate."
But, as they say, that's not all. If a first-time attendee is still feeling anxious, there's a first-timer's networking session and orientation on Tuesday morning at 11:05 a.m. at the Encore booth.
IMEX also has a curated webpage of first-timer tips here. The No. 1 tip? Don't forget to download the IMEX app.
2. More wellness offerings
Wellness has always been a part of the IMEX America curriculum, but this year it seems to be more prominent than ever. At the 2025 show, IMEX is launching Circadian Cove, a wellness lounge created in partnership with Olympian Meeting and Dr. Jess Garza of Legacy Mindset. Expect activations timed to attendees' natural circadian rhythm to help them stay alert in the morning, focused midday, and relaxed in the evening. Activities will include blue light therapy, breathwork, and guided mindfulness.
"We think this is unique and something we might start seeing at other shows, but it's premiering here at IMEX," Endean said of Circadian Cove, which will be located just outside the trade show floor doors at the Bayside E/F entrance.
Next to Circadian Cove will be the Resilience Room, which has been a part of IMEX America for the last few years. The space, powered by Hello! DMC, is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. as a respite from the trade show chaos. Expect a Mojave Desert theme and plenty of room to relax and destress.
"It's not the place to go and catch up on your emails; it's a place to just go and completely reset yourself," Endean said.
On top of that, other wellness opportunities include the Wellness Challenge from Caesars Entertainment and the return of IMEXrun on Wednesday morning.
The IMEX run returns on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
3. Can't-miss speakers
More than 200 speakers are set to take the various stages at IMEX. How does an attendee choose? The IMEX app and website have various ways to help participants filter the options. For TSNN readers, nine education tracks—from Experiential Event Design and Event Logistics to Marketing and Engagement to Trends and Research—offer a plethora of topics and sessions of interest for trade show organizers.
New this year? The "Community Builders" track. Endean said this track was inspired by former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's "parting prescription," which he shared before leaving office in January and called for stronger community. At IMEX, this track will look at "all aspects of what community might mean," Endean said.
Tracks aside, she also calls out a few eye-opening sessions that every attendee should bookmark:
2025 Trends in the Live Event Industry: AOO Events CEO David Merrell will help attendees understand what is driving the needs of corporate event attendees today and how to tap into the authentic guest experience. Thursday, 10 a.m. Inspiration Hub.
The New Currency: How Destinations and Creators Are Shaping Event Promotion: Curious about influencers as a marketing tool? This session, moderated by Meetingmax CEO Jeff Duncan, will help destinations and planners harness the power of digital creators to boost awareness, drive attendance, and deliver measurable economic impact. Attendees can also hear from real-life influencers and content creators. Tuesday, 10 a.m. Inspiration Hub.
Issues Impacting U.S. Group Travel: U.S. Travel Association Managing Director of Group Travel Kevin Hinton will share data and insights surrounding the challenges and opportunities shaping group travel to and within the U.S. He'll also take questions from the audience. "He'll share where we're at, regarding traveling into the U.S., and the work they're doing in D.C. to move things forward," Endean said. Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. Inspiration Hub.
4. A larger event tech stage
IMEX has expanded its Tech Education stage, after its high foot traffic last year, Endean said. "In 2024, we tested an event tech stage, and it was incredibly popular the whole time, so this year we've actually moved it so it's closer to the Inspiration Hub," she added. The stage, powered by DAHLIA+Agency, will feature live event tech demos, game shows, plus evaluations and playful "roastings" of websites/LinkedIn profiles.
Endean called the area "part stage, part skills bar," so attendees can also test and demo event tech one-on-one with experts. The IMEX Tech Education stage will be located on the show floor at F200.
More than 200 speakers are set to take the various stages at IMEX.
5. Real-time feedback
Those attending IMEX can give their feedback in real time. On Tuesday at 2:15 p.m., InFounders CEO Aiko Thurlow will lead "Designing Deeper Connections at Events: Lessons From the IMEX Show Floor," where she will draw live observations from IMEX to talk about how event profs can create more intentional networking moments and to evaluate whether the show invites meaningful interaction. Endean described this session as an "experience audit."
Learnings from this session will then tie into a different session on Thursday titled "Passion Meter: Measuring Joy, Proving With Data." A panel will dive deep into the data that IMEX and partners are collecting at the show with real-time examples. A panel will then explore why engagement metrics and passion for an event make a positive impact on the bottom line.
"We will look at actual data coming out of the show on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then on Thursday morning, we will look provocatively at: How did we do? What's the data showing us? What are people saying? Come and talk to us," Endean said. "If we say that we're the global heartbeat of the industry, how does that translate into a show experience? Did joy show up? Did belonging show up? Did community show up? I love that IMEX is brave enough to just lay it down and ask, 'Did we do a good job?'"
6. Meet the TSNN editorial team and get a complimentary professional headshot
Refresh your professional brand with a new headshot while at IMEX and meet the teams from Connect, TSNN, BizBash, Corporate Event News and SpotMyPhotos. Join us at booth #C4847 for drinks during our power hour at 3 p.m. on Day 1 (Tuesday) for a Kentucky Mule (since Connect Marketplace will be in Louisville next spring) and Day 2 (Wednesday) for a mojito. Sign up in advance for headshot appointments here, but we will take walk-ups, too. Be sure to stop by and meet TSNN VP of Group Content Danica Tormohlen.
Aside from the exhibitors and one-on-one appointments, attendees can expect more than 150 education sessions, more than 200 speakers, and a host of wellness activities and activations at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center..
7. Special events by Women in Exhibitions Network North America
For exhibition organizers, Women in Exhibitions Network (WIEN) North America is offering two programs at IMEX America. Back by popular demand, WIEN is hosting a meetup from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 7. at Rhythm & Riffs, located on the casino floor at Mandalay Bay—a short walk from the convention center. Cocktails, conversations and connections are sponsored by Visit Detroit. Register here. On Wednesday morning, WIEN is hosting a breakfast, main stage presentation and tour of the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), which will be in town at the Venetian Expo. RX is sponsoring this unique, behind-the-scenes look at one of the largest gaming trade shows in the world. Advance registration is required by Oct. 1. Register here.
