VEGAS BACK ON TRACK FOR IMEX

IMEX America will open as planned in Las Vegas today, having introduced a raft of new security measures in the wake of last week’s mass shooting.

Extra security will be posted at all entrances and random bag searches will be conducted, in addition to existing security arrangements provided by both IMEX America and its venue, The Sands Expo & Convention Center.

Business Events Australia is taking a delegation of 24 Australian exhibitors to this year’s expo, one of the key events in its annual calendar.

The Australian contingent will include representatives from the International Convention Centre Sydney, the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Qantas and Hyatt Regency Sydney, among others.

More than 3,000 hosted buyers are expected to attend this year’s Imex North America, making it one of the world’s largest exhibitions for incentive travel, meetings and business events.

It starts today with a full day of educational sessions before the show floor opens tomorrow.

The ceo of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Rossi Ralenkotter said thoughts and prayers were with victims of last week’s attack.

“Las Vegas is a strong community that will work through this tragic incident,” Ralenkotter said in a statement.

“We are grateful beyond words to our incomparable law enforcement, first responders and everyone who continues to help victims and their families.”