We had an extremely busy and vibrant start to IMEX America, with partners reporting record numbers of appointments and enquiries alike.
We had an extremely busy and vibrant start to IMEX America, with partners reporting record numbers of appointments and enquiries alike. It was great to once again be back at IMEX, with such a strong contingent of Scottish partners representing all sectors of the industry. It is very apparent that the industry we know and love is back to full strength with a huge amount of interest in Scotland.
The partners attending IMEX America alongside VisitScotland were:
- 2B UK
- Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC)
- Horizons by TPG (Experience Scotland Ltd)
- Limitless DMC
- Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
- Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort
- Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts
- Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel
- Scottish Event Campus (SEC)
- Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
- The Gleneagles Hotel
- W Edinburgh
The VisitScotland stand was teeming with activity, with over 100 appointments and destination presentations for North and South American hosted buyer groups.
Day one
We began our first day at IMEX America by attending the VisitBritain Association Breakfast, where VisitScotland and the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow were represented.
Next, we joined the Destinations International Workshop – this was a fantastic opportunity for the global Destinations International events focus group to come together and explore the metrics used by different destinations to measure the impact of events.
Using research from New York University students, six key topic areas were discussed, focusing on issues like room rate monitoring, F&B spend, national data gathering, legacy impacts, delegate numbers, city and national economic impact and sustainable transport. There is no standard methodology for events to compare impacts, and the focus group is undertaking this project to establish a baseline for consistent measurement. VisitScotland Business Events' involvement ensures our own efforts are reflected in this global undertaking.
Throughout the day, the VisitScotland stand was teeming with activity, with over 100 appointments and destination presentations for North and South American hosted buyer groups. This year we explored the case studies of programs delivered in Scotland by our on-stand DMCs - 2BUK, Limitless DMC and Horizons by TPG.
This session provided an opportunity to share the important legacy and impact work we do at VisitScotland Business Events, and specifically our ambition for business events to form part of our social and economic development.
Day two
Patrick Lamont, Business Events Policy Engagement Manager at VisitScotland spoke on the ‘IMEX Impacts and Initiatives: Destinations invested in legacy’ panel. This session provided an opportunity to share the important legacy and impact work we do at VisitScotland Business Events, and specifically our ambition for business events to form part of our social and economic development through engagement with policy makers and national organisations. Moderated by Richard Crawford of Amazon’s Leave No Trace, Patrick was joined by Dr Edward Koh, Jerrine Lee and Amy Phillips, who all shared their destination’s approach and ambitions for impact and legacy.
That evening, we hosted our Scotland reception, once again supported by Limitless DMC, 2BUK and Gleneagles. We were joined by the outstanding Piper, Zane Simpson, an acting member of the Las Vegas Police force and pipe band, who delighted us with incredible musical entertainment. Our guests were treated to a whisky and paired chocolate tasting, expertly narrated by Angela Inglis and Fiona Pengelley of Limitless DMC and 2BUK. It was a unique opportunity for guests to learn all about whisky and how its heritage can be employed within business events itineraries.
Across the three-day event, there were approximately 370 one-to-one business appointments and over 300 unique visitors to the stand.
The final day
On the final day of the event, we had another busy day of appointments on the VisitScotland stand and held more destination presentations for hosted buyer groups from across North and South America.
Across the three-day event, there were approximately 370 one-to-one business appointments and over 300 unique visitors to the stand. We are excited to see the results of these conversations and the resulting business that will come to Scotland in the coming years. Encouragingly, it is reported that 65 per cent of North American business is actively seeking a home in Europe. The early signs look positive, with unprecedented numbers of enquiries being reported from partners and VisitScotland alike.
With a lively and bustling stand featuring traditional Scottish hospitality and culture, We are confident that the appointments and subsequent enquiries will generate many new pieces of business for Scotland in the future.
The event provided the perfect stage to promote the sustainable mission and capabilities of Scotland along with our Journey to Change messaging, both on and off the exhibition floor. It was a great team approach to maintaining Scotland's presence on this all-important global stage.
