Recap of IMEX America 2016 Education, Exhibits and Events

The power of hub destinations

Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of D estination DC, shares the impact of the Global Association Hubs Partnership in his market as Hervé Bosquet, senior advisor for the Global Association Hubs Partnership, looks on.

Heavy-hitter panel urges industry-wide support of security initiative

A panel of heavy-hitting conference, expositions and venue-management associations takes the stage to urge the industry to throw its support behind the Exhibitions and Meetings Safety and Security Initiative.

IMEX security panel (from left): Bill Flynn, Keyway; Larry Arnaudet, ESCA; Brad Mayne, IAVM; David DuBois, IAEE; Bruce Davidson, Department of Homeland Security; and Kevin Olsen, Keyway

London is calling for conferences

London is open for business and booming despite the Brexit drama, said the panel at a breakfast hosted by ExCel London and CVB London and Partners.

Here, ExCel CEO David Pegler outlines the features of his venue while Michel Couturier of Marketing Challenges International (left) looks on.

The Airbnb for dining: VizEat

At the IMEX Inspiration Hub, Jean Michel Petit explains the benefits of his VizEat platform, which connects travelers with dinner hosts in private homes.

The new meeting room

The new need for networking, better food and the great outdoors--all part of the "meeting room of the future," explains International Association of Conference Centers CEO Mark Cooper.

New brand launched for DMC Network

Dan Tavrytzky (second from left), managing director of DMC Network, and Shannon Gardner, DMCP, president of Accent Indy and board chair for DMC Network, show off the DMC Network's new brand, unveiled at IMEX America 2016.

See the latest Special Events "25 Top DMCs" here.

Pretty painted parasols from Thailand booth

Representatives of Thailand display their artistry at the Thailand booth.

Timo Kiuru on the future of experiential marketing

Creative consultant Timo Kiuru of Unthinkable stops by the Special Events/MeetingsNet booth at IMEX to share his insights on coming trends in experiential marketing.

He explains that AR and VR--augmented reality and virtual reality--will create ever more immersive experiences. Also, he says, online and offline experiences will intersect more often, creating richer, more informed purchasing by clients.

Indonesian booth features a striking greeter

What a looker! A passerby has to take a second glance at the handsome greeter for the Indonesia booth.

HGA's ladies in red

And on to the parties ...

Two gorgeous ladies and their escorts--all the silent type--greet guests at the Hosts Global Alliance reception at TAO nightclub at the Venetian.

See the latest Special Events "25 Top DMCs" here.

Mixing at the HGA party

At the HGA party, guests mix and mingle while the music plays.

Making a splash at The Event

Sponsored by VisitScotland and London and Partners, The Event 2016 offers prizes, cocktails and a dramatic watershow for guests at the Wynn's Intrigue nightclub.

Winners named at The Event

Richard Knight of VisitScotland (with mic) announces prize winners at The Event.

Runners will be ready for their close-up

IMEX staff gets ready for runners to celebrate with a photo opp at the end of their 5k run.