What are the IMEX America 2026 show hours?

The trade show is open to attendees from 9:30am to 5:30pm on Tuesday, October 13 and Wednesday, October 14, and from 9:30am to 4pm on Thursday, October 15. Smart Monday runs on October 12.

Where is IMEX America held?

At Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119. Taxi arrivals use the Shark Reef entrance; rideshare and tram arrivals use the casino entrance.

Does it cost anything to attend?

No. IMEX describes its four-day programme, including the education sessions, as free to attend for registered attendees.

What is the hosted buyer programme?

Qualified buyers can apply to be hosted, which includes free travel and accommodation, exclusive social events and VIP treatment in exchange for taking part in scheduled meetings with exhibitors.

When is the next edition?

IMEX America 2027 is scheduled for September 28–30, 2027, with Smart Monday on September 27, again at Mandalay Bay.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

IMEX America 2026

Name: IMEX America 2026
Start: 2026-10-13T09:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-10-15T16:00:00+00:00
Location: Mandalay Bay Convention Center

The largest trade show for the meetings, events and incentive travel industry, pairing planners with global suppliers.

IMEX Group

Date and Time

October 13 · 9am - October 15 · 4pm GMT-7

Location

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119 South NV 89119

About This Event

IMEX America 2026 is a Lifestyle & Tourism event taking place 13-15 Oct 2026 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, United States.

IMEX America is the biggest annual marketplace for the business events industry. For three days, meeting and event planners from corporations, associations and agencies sit down with the venues, hotels, destinations, convention bureaus and technology suppliers they source from, booking a year's worth of business in one exhibit hall. Attendance and the education programme are free, and the week opens with Smart Monday, a day of professional development powered by MPI on October 12.

Who attends

The show is built around pre-scheduled appointments between buyers and suppliers. Qualified planners can apply to the hosted buyer programme, which covers travel and accommodation in return for a meeting schedule at the show.

Corporate meeting and event planners
Association executives and planners
Agency and incentive travel buyers
Hotels, resorts and unique venues
National and regional convention bureaus
Event technology and service providers

Exhibition

The 2026 exhibitor list spans destinations, hotel groups, airlines and event specialists from around the world, with stands grouped across the Mandalay Bay halls. Exhibitors get free lead scanning and messaging tools to connect with buyers before and during the show.

Education and networking

A free education programme of 300-plus sessions across seven tracks runs on every show day, with morning MPI keynotes. The 2026–2027 Talking Point is Design Matters, framing design as a business advantage for events and brands. Sessions count towards CMP, ICCA Skills and CSEP accreditations.

Smart Monday, powered by MPI (October 12)
Executive Meeting Forum for senior corporate executives
Association Focus with ASAE
Corporate Focus for corporate planners
EIC Global Awards Celebration
SITE NITE North America

Key figures

IMEX says the show brings together 3,700-plus exhibitors from 80-plus countries and more than 6,100 buyers, based on its most recent editions (2025 stats are published on the official site).

Tickets & passes

Attendee registration — Free: Free trade show and education access for industry professionals
Hosted buyer — Free: By application; includes travel and accommodation for qualified buyers