IMEX America 2011 Wrap-up

What an amazingly productive week we had at IMEX America last week! But wow, technology certainly took center stage this year, and not because of any specific exhibitor. Nearly every presentation was made on an iPad or through digital media, while the IMEX hosted buyer app kept us all organized. This particular app made it extremely convenient to navigate the show keeping not only the floor plan and catalog right at our fingertips, but kept us right on time as the app regularly updated with our own scheduled appointments. Of course, as with any technology, we were not totally without some drama. Right smack in the middle of the show many experienced firsthand Blackberry Meltdown 2011 (thank goodness for Android's and iPads!) It was such an amazing representation of just how far we have come as an industry in just a few short months.

As one of nearly 2000 hosted buyers, Earth and Moon Services was treated to some incredible presentations from all over the globe. Even scheduling events back to back, we still didn't get to meet with everyone we wanted to! I will give a brief summary here, but keep a lookout for our newsletter which will highlight some of our favorite new hotels and destinations. There seems to be an increase in interest in the utilization of shipboard venues. Being in a coastal town with numerous cruise ports nearby, cruising isn't necessarily a new idea for us. However, with only 20 percent of the population having gone on a cruise, this is definitely an opportunity to provide our clients with something new!

While the trip was mostly business, it was Las Vegas so we of course incorporated a little fun! One of our first receptions took place at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas. An absolutely stunning location at the entrance of City Center, the Sky Lobby at Mandarin Oriental overlooks the Las Vegas skyline. We also had the opportunity to see the incredibly talented Blue Man Group (thanks Kris!) .

As far as the first annual IMEX America, it appears to have been a huge success. Everyone we spoke with, hotels and buyers alike, seemed pleased with the event (well, despite some curious numbering) and are looking forward to next year! If you didn't make it this year, I definitely recommend it. Book soon though as I suspect word will get out and spaces will fill up.