In advance of the second annual IMEX America trade show, taking place Oct. 9-11 in Las Vegas, the IMEX Group has added to the agenda several show enhancements for hosted and non-hosted industry buyers, it announced last week.
Among the new offerings:
• Improved exhibitor-buyer communication: The IMEX online scheduling system will collect all exhibitor messages to buyers, then distribute a single aggregated email per day to each buyer, helping attendees manage exhibitor marketing information, emails, and invitations to receptions and special events more systematically and effectively.
• More networking: Several new networking receptions will be built into the 2012 show to provide more opportunities for expanding professional business networks. Meeting Professionals International (MPI) will take the lead by introducing an early evening reception for planners at the end of Smart Monday on Oct. 8.
• Extended shuttle service: Free shuttle-bus services are being extended to non-hosted buyers between their hotels, the event and the airport.
• Discount rates: Preferential accommodation rates have been arranged with the show's headquarters hotel, The Venetian|The Palazzo, offering bookings at $139 with no resort fee. Airline discounts are also available with Delta, as well as Sky Team and Star Alliance airlines around the world.
"Our inaugural trade show made a really strong start and since then we have listened closely to make sure the changes we implement are well received and truly beneficial," said IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer. "At the end of the week, we want all visitors to feel they've received outstanding value and return on time and effort invested."