“Collaborative, creative and compelling”—IMEX America’s education program unveiled

“Choose something essential—but also try something new.” 

With the full education program now live online, Tahira Endean, MSc, CITP, CMP, CED, our Head of Programming, shares her advice on how attendees can pick the sessions that deliver the most impact—and also spark joy! 

I’m proud and excited about what we’ve created. The education program for IMEX America this year is collaborative, creative and compelling. With over 150 sessions across nine tracks, there’s something for everyone. Each day kicks off with a dose of inspiration from our outstanding MPI keynotes. Learning starts from Smart Monday, powered by Meeting Professionals International, right through the final day of the show. So whenever attendees have a break in their schedules, they can easily pop into a session or two. 

Most attendees place high importance on attending education while at the show (56% according to IMEX America’s 2024 post-event survey), so we work year-round to ensure their time is well spent. We speak to planners to find out what topics resonate with them—both personally and professionally—and work closely with all our partners. The result is a high-level program that’s timely and topical. 

To help attendees maximize their time at the show, we're continuing to use Snapsight, Gevme’s AI-powered tool, to provide quick and easy access to session takeaways. These highlights, available online and on the app, allow attendees to put aside their notebooks and be fully present in the sessions. 

I invite you to dive in and explore our program—you can search by track or topic. My advice? Choose something that’s essential for you but also try something new.”  

Here are some of my track highlights: 

• Community builders: This new track is so timely. There's a growing need for people to feel connected and have space for honest conversations about the realities of feeling disconnected. We explored this in our recent report, The Power of Experiences. Expect insights from experts including Matthew Emerzian, founder of Every Monday Matters, and Andrea Driessen, award-winning entrepreneur from Gracenotes® 

• Event logistics: Here’s where we delve into the nuts and bolts of the discipline. Explore fundamental skills including hospitality, food and beverage, and contracting. Genevieve Fernandez from Live Marketing shares budget hacks and negotiation strategies in her session: Tight Budgets: Make Dollars Make Sense 

• Experiential event design: The Event Design Collective’s approach is to “stop talking about event design and start doing it”. Among their sessions is a hands-on simulation based on a real-life case study—attendees will learn how to design their event to shape stakeholder behavior.  Maritz has a series of practical sessions focusing on sponsorship, AI measurement and more. 

• Impact: A special track as Impact 2.0 is our Talking Point for this year. Meryl Evans, CPACC (deaf) is set to share stories and practical tips drawn from her own experience as a deaf professional and accessibility advocate. The IMEX team will also share Lessons Learned on Our ESG Journey—vital insights at a time when our collective role in supporting a net-zero future has never been more critical.  

• Leadership and culture: This track is anchored in the issues explored in our recent report, How to Lead with Impact in Extreme Times. At a time of uncertainty, leaders from across our sector and beyond will share their perspectives. Global heavyweights Holly Ransom and David Brownlee🎤, as well as UNICEO’s Head of Events DEBORA PIOVESAN, are among the featured voices. 

• Marketing and engagement: Sessions on influencer marketing, personal branding and even a touch of magic—look out for Ferdinando Buscema—will showcase ways to define and measure success, from ROI to ROX (return on experience). 

• Tech innovation and AI: As well as exploring AI from all angles, the Tech Stage, powered by Dahlia El Gazzar 🧿 is home to many tech-focused sessions. Experts will show how to use technology to save resources and create pitches that land. Expect gameshows, townhall debates and live demo critiques.   

• Trends and research: We’re delighted that so many of our industry partners choose to launch their latest research at the show. AMEX GBT will unveil its Meetings and Events Forecast, while the team from Skift Meetings will present their latest report: Taking Meeting Impact to the Next Level. IMEX has also partnered with Freeman on a new study uncovering how attendees and organizers define and measure event experiences today.  For data and insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping group travel to and within the US, head to Kevin Hinton, CAE session. The Managing Director for Group Travel at the U.S. Travel Association will lead an open discussion on how to position the value of face-to-face events in an era of increased scrutiny—and take questions from the audience. 

• Well-being: Expect open and honest conversations in these sessions. Neurodivergent event professionals will reflect on their lived experience in Open Talk: A Conversation on Neurodivergence in Life and Work.  A collaborative focus group will share their challenges and insights in Shaping the Mental Health Standard for the Global Events Industry.  And, because creating impactful events starts with looking after yourself, there’s an emphasis on personal well-being. From Burnout to Brilliance: Nervous System Mastery for High-performing Leaders is just one of these sessions. 

Most IMEX learning sessions offer points toward Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or ICCASkills accreditations and CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional) Approval. 

The IMEX America learning program is now live online. The show takes place October 7-9, at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and opens with Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on Monday October 6.