IMEX America 2025 returned to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center Oct. 7–9, transforming the convention floor into a high-intent marketplace paired with educational seminars. Widely regarded as one of the largest trade shows for the global meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry, this year’s edition continued to evolve under its theme, Impact 2.0, focused on the industry’s renewed commitment to measurable, sustainable impact.
Organizers reported record-breaking attendance, with more than 17,000 participants, including a 25 percent increase in hosted buyers representing more than 80 countries. The convention featured 3,700-plus exhibitors, while networking programs and educational sessions generated thousands of pre-scheduled meetings.
LOCAL EXPERTISE ON DISPLAY
Las Vegas-based general contractors and exhibit service providers played a crucial role in the show’s success. Their expertise in venue logistics, union regulations and rapid turnaround demands ensured seamless execution from set-up to tear-down — showcasing the advantages of working with local firms.
Kamil Gorgulu, founder of One Stop Expo and Kolormatik, both based in Las Vegas, builds exhibits for and attends IMEX America, annually. His companies include a full-service frame and booth fabrication shop, a large-format SEG graphics division and an inventory of more than 1,000 LED panels. Kolormatik offers print/graphic materials using recyclable substrates in support of IMEX’s Impact 2.0 theme.
“IMEX is a great show for exhibition builders,” Gorgulu said. “Most of the booths we build throughout the year are standard designs, but at IMEX we really get to demonstrate our creative and technical range.”
Custom-built/turnkey exhibit shops for high-profile shows like IMEX America 2025 are in demand. The local presence of Las Vegas-based general contractors and exhibit service providers is an advantage in Las Vegas’s fast-paced show calendar.
Another Las Vegas-based innovator, Aluvision USA, develops lightweight frame systems and illuminated components designed to reduce set-up time and environmental impact — directly aligning with IMEX’s sustainability initiatives.
“Las Vegas is built for events of this scale,” said Hollie Cardinal, national business development leader and trade show strategist for Aluvision USA. “When you understand how Mandalay Bay operates behind the scenes, you can help out-of-town teams avoid costly mistakes and focus on creating impact where it matters most — the attendee experience.”
Although Aluvision USA did not host a booth this year, the company’s nearby showroom welcomed attendees throughout the week.
“IMEX presented everything this industry is about — connection, collaboration and creativity,” Cardinal added.
INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Exhibitors showcased LED-integrated walls, sustainable materials and AI-driven engagement tools. Destination booths incorporated cultural architecture and live experiences, while technology providers introduced data analytics platforms and hybrid-event solutions.
Vendors on the show floor underscored the industry’s commitment to measurable sustainability, showcasing everything including recyclable materials, modular construction and lightweight frame systems engineered to reduce environmental impact.
Additional Las Vegas–based firms that support major trade shows such as IMEX America 2025 — either through booth fabrication, installation and dismantle (I&D), logistics or exhibit-house services are very active in the Las Vegas trade-show ecosystem.
Exhibit Experience is a provider of booth construction, modular exhibit displays, rental exhibits and I&D (installation & dismantling) labor services.
Las Vegas Crating & Logistics provides shipping, receiving, crating, storage and logistics services specifically for trade-show exhibits and conventions.
Image Exhibit Services operates a large fabrication and warehouse facility (70,000 square feet) and provides design, build-to-rental and custom exhibits for trade shows.
Radon Exhibition LLC is a booth builder and exhibit rental company offering custom designs, full-service rental, logistics and turnkey solutions.
As the global events industry continues to evolve, Las Vegas–based trade and expo providers remain integral partners in delivering world-class trade shows, expos and conventions — locally and around the world.
https://www.smartmeetings.com/guides/imex-america-2025-guide
