10/25/2023
Just a week ago, I attended IMEX America as a hosted-buyer for the first time, and I’m still buzzing from the experience!
Here are my takeaways from :
➡️ The AI Revolution: AI was a hot topic at . The potential of AI to revolutionize event planning and management is undeniable. The event industry is more exposed to AI than you might think. Event planners may not be tech-friendly, but that won’t matter anymore. With the help of AI, events will become the most human-friendly form of marketing. However, we must consider potential pitfalls, such as potential brand damage from poor AI-generated content and privacy issues. (Insights from ‘AI: Equalizer or Enabler’ with Julius Solaris, Boldpush)
➡️ Standing out on Sustainability: Sustainability is the biggest challenge ahead for the industry; we need to talk and do more. It’s time to ask: How can we, as event professionals, promote sustainability in the industry? MCI Canada has developed the ‘Events for Change - Sustainability Scorecard’ to help clients, talents, and the events community create socially inclusive and sustainable events. (From ‘Sustainability’ with Ruth Gorriz, MCI Group)
➡️ The future of events is human-centered design: The CoLaboratory by Storycraft Lab and Google Xi offered a unique perspective. They crafted distinct Experience Profiles™ - the Seeker, the Creator, the Adaptor, the Harmonizer, the Explorer, the Thinker - allowing attendees to personalize their journey. The Ikigai Exercise was also interesting; it was an inclusive invitation to share aspects of your identity in a comfortable, safe, and reflective manner. (From the Google Xi CoLab with Naomi Clare, Storycraft LAB)
➡️ Follow-Up is Key: Always follow up after a trade show, either via email or LinkedIn.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to meet and learn from numerous industry professionals at IMEX.
A big thank you to MCI and DCI - Development Counsellors International for the opportunity, and the IMEX team for crafting such an unforgettable experience.
Isabella Vecchiarelli
Project Coordinator - Consulting and Community Solutions
MCI Canada