For those of you that know, you knowwwww that IMEX is the Super Bowl of our industry. It’s the must attend event of the year and one big fun reunion with friends from all over the world you haven’t seen in forever.
It’s an absolute marathon with 8-12 meetings a day, followed by running between multiple cocktail receptions, dinner invites and evening events. If you don’t do IMEX right, IMEX destroys you 🤣
And while it is certainly the most exhausting week, if done right – it’s one of my favourites 🫶
The relationships, conversations and memories that come out of a week in Vegas with industry connections are absolutely unmatched, and for good reason.
I’ve been going to IMEX for 10+ years and each year holds a special memory for me but for the reasons I’ll share below – IMEX 2025 was different 🔥
It’s been 5 years since 🦠 rocked our industry and the vibe this year was consistent – we navigated the mess, we weeded out those not serious about our space and we came out stronger than we ever have been…and we did it together.
I’ll cut to the chase! Here’s a few trends I am taking away from IMEX 2025:
CRAVINGS: there’s a shift I am seeing in the industry right now of our industry partners getting tired of the bare minimum and craving partners who look at the relationship as a true 2 way street and PARTNERSHIP. There’s been an influx in “sourcing only” agencies that are in it more for the money and less for the client experience and it’s getting noticed. In the last 12 months I’ve had MANY conversations and experiences that are leaning in favour of us smaller, boutique style agencies that are leaning in on ethics, authenticity and alignment for our clients and partners rather than more sales, more volume, more team members. If I am being honest with you guys – I am SO here for this shift. The industry was starting to dilute and I am so excited to see this shift happening, and it’s happening FAST!
WATER EXPERIENCES: cruises, luxury yachts + river cruises are becoming the fastest growing trend I am seeing. I recently had my first cruise experience and I’ll be honest with you – it wasn’t my thing. I am so much happier on land than I am surrounded by the ocean but after seeing how many luxury hotel chains are coming out with a boat product, I might need to change my opinion. Aman, Ritz Carleton, Four Seasons, Accor and so many more all unveiling sailing products tells us this is going to be big. If you’re looking for
SPACE, MINDFULNESS & WELLNESS FIRST: this was the first year I really heard people focused on FEELING good during IMEX rather than buying into the grind it out for 4 days culture with a constant drink in your hand & I am here for it 👏 booths this year had massages, pressed juice bars, meditation and compression therapy boots as activations which warmed my little sleepy girl heart because the focus is moving away from more consumption > being more grounded and intentional and if there’s one industry that needs that focus shift most, it’s ours
All in all this was my best IMEX yet & I can’t wait to see how these trends evolve over the next few months and truly, am leaving this conference feeling the most aligned and lit up about our industry I’ve ever felt!
See you next year in Vegas 🍾
