I recently had the privilege of attending IMEX, a venue where the global business events community comes together, and while I'm no stranger to conferences and tradeshows, this marked my inaugural visit to this renowned event. Traditionally, my business partner, Stephanie Krzywanski, had been the one to attend IMEX, but this year, things took a different turn. Our core team attended, giving each of us the opportunity to manage our time, tracks, and meetings independently before reuniting—a rare treat for our remote-based team. The result? A week that exceeded all expectations.
The sheer energy, connections and excitement were almost overwhelming. I had the chance to reconnect with colleagues that I had not seen in well…20 years! And the best part was they said they would have recognized me anywhere (apparently, time has been good to me).
From a business perspective, we've always believed that people prefer to do business with those they know, a principle that holds even truer in today's world. IMEX goes beyond mere networking; it's about forming connections, meeting new faces, acquiring new skills, uncovering hidden gems of destinations, and discovering the latest and greatest swag. It's also an opportunity to experience the marvels of the hospitality industry, from tangible innovations to technological advancements and sustainable practices.
IMEX offers a unique return on investment—it gives back what you put into your attendance. Despite the long days and countless miles walked, you'll leave feeling invigorated, inspired, and genuinely excited.
Here are a couple of my personal favorites from IMEX:
Dirty Cookie (as seen on SharkTank): Cookies and milk have just received a delightful upgrade!
Autocamp: An ideal retreat setting with several locations, offering an unforgettable experience.
In conclusion, my first experience at IMEX was an eye-opener, reaffirming that successful events are built on meaningful connections and a deep understanding of what the industry has to offer. It's more than just a tradeshow; it's an opportunity to enhance our capabilities, discover exciting innovations, and find the perfect solutions for our clients at JR Global Events. IMEX has equipped us with new insights, valuable connections, and a refreshed outlook, all of which will undoubtedly help us serve our clients even better. We're excited about the future and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, and we can't wait to share these benefits with our clients as we continue to create exceptional events together.
#IMEXInsights, #EventProfs, #Networking, #BusinessEvents