Hosted buyer program
Join the IMEX hosted buyer program
Be our guest at IMEX America. You'll enjoy a VIP experience at IMEX, as well as exclusive social opportunities, and free travel and accommodations.
Who can be a hosted buyer?
If you regularly plan or commission large-scale global events, you can join our hosted buyer program.
Our hosted buyer program is designed for event professionals coming to IMEX with business in mind. You'll experience the best of the show while making the business connections that matter.
If you'd like a VIP experience with free travel and free accommodations while you're at the show, and can commit to booking meetings with our exhibitors, then apply today!
See the hosted buyer qualifying criteria - coming soon.
What you'll receive as a hosted buyer
Free travel and accommodations
As a hosted buyer, you'll enjoy:
- Free flights
- Free accommodations
- The knowledge that we're taking care of the details
- Attendance is free too of course—and there are no cancelation fees or fines
Flexible meeting scheduling
IMEX offers the most flexible hosted buyer program in the world. You're in control of your meetings. Meet with:
- Exhibitors from hotel groups, event tech providers, convention bureaus
- Airlines and travel providers
- Event management agencies
Free professional development
From education tailored to your specialism at:
- Association Leadership Forum, Executive Meeting Forum and Corporate Focus
- To expert insight at drop-in education throughout the show
Exclusive lounge access
Exclusively for hosted buyers, our Hosted Buyer Lounge is designed to help you:
- Recharge, relax and refresh
- Catch up with calls and with fellow hosted buyers and to meet our friendly Hosted Buyer Team—there to answer any questions you have
What we ask in return
As a hosted buyer you have flexibility, but you must commit to pre-scheduling meetings with our exhibitors. We recommend a minimum of 6-8 daily. These should be mainly 1-2-1 meetings but can include group appointments and stand presentations. We also ask that you don’t leave the show early, i.e., after lunch, but to stay for each full day of your hosted program.
About meetings
We regularly check that buyers are making and attending their meetings (on average IMEX buyers plan 16+ meetings during their time at the show.)
About meetings
We regularly check that buyers are making and attending their meetings (on average IMEX buyers plan 16+ meetings during their time at the show.)
IMEX AMERICA SHOW STATS 2023
5,364
total buyers
83,000
meetings
15,029
total participants
How can I be a hosted buyer?
Applying to be a hosted buyer
Around 300 of our exhibitors invite their key clients to come to IMEX as hosted buyers (we call these exhibitors intermediaries). So, if you receive an invitation from one of them, and you’d like to be a hosted buyer:
- Follow the link they've sent you
- Create your IMEX account
- Use the unique invitation code to join their hosted buyer group
Hosted buyer meetings
All buyers commit to booking at least six to eight 30-minute meetings per day direct with exhibitors using our Exhibitor Directory and online meeting system.
Coming to IMEX from a corporate organisation?
If you need to convince your manager why you should attend IMEX, our convince your boss toolkit helps build the case:
Convince your boss email - coming soon
IMEX America expenses - coming soon
Benefits of attending IMEX America - coming soon
Letter to compliance department - coming soon
"I approached this event with a strategic mindset. I appreciated the advance announcements, like the exhibitor list being open, which allowed me to plan and schedule my meetings accordingly. I've been pleasantly surprised by the strong sense of community and inclusivity here. I've formed some fantastic connections through networking and enjoyed the various events hosted at individual booths. It's been a lot of fun, and I can't wait to share everything with my team".
Elizabeth Orfin
Senior Events Manager, Novogradac
David Kries
Relationship Manager, Hosted Buyer Programme
Maria Gaillez
Relationship Manager