Meetings, Events & Hospitality · October

IMEX America Exhibitor Playbook: Strategy, Budgets & Logistics

IMEX America is the global meetings and events industry's largest US gathering. Booths are hospitality-led — meeting tables, lounge moments, and brand experiences for hosted buyers, not hardware demos.

Show at a glance

City
Las Vegas
Venue
Mandalay Bay Convention Center
Attendees
14,000+
Exhibitors
3,500+

12-month planning timeline

  1. 9 months out
    January

    Lock space and hosted-buyer program participation.

  2. 6 months out
    April

    Award builder, design meeting layout.

  3. 2 months out
    August

    Finalize hospitality service and AV.

Booth budget by size

SizeRentalCustom
10×20$11K–$24K+$28K–$55K+
20×20$18K–$36K+$48K–$88K+
20×30+$26K–$52K+$72K–$140K+

Ranges are starting points. Final costs vary based on design complexity, materials, AV and lighting, hanging signs, custom millwork, storage, refurb between shows, and show-specific services like drayage, rigging, and electrical. Premium builds for flagship shows routinely exceed the high end.

For a number tied to your actual show, scope, and goals, run a free ROI audit — we'll pinpoint waste and connect you with vetted builders for real estimates.

Sizing guidance

Count meeting tables: 20×20 fits ~6 seated meetings, 20×30 fits ~10, 30×30 fits ~14–16 with lounge space.

Logistics

Mandalay Bay loading is tighter than LVCC. Schedule early move-in slots.

Choosing an execution partner

Vet on hospitality-led portfolios — IMEX-style meeting-density booths, not demo-heavy CES-style builds.

Plan your show

Related resources

Answers

Frequently asked questions

How many meeting tables fit in a 20×20 IMEX booth?

Typically 6 seated 4-person meetings with adequate aisle and bag space, plus a small lounge. Design around appointment density.

Planning IMEX America?

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