Business Events team delivers a presentation for hosted buyers
As one of the sector’s most influential trade shows, IMEX America brought together 18,200 attendees, including 6,292 buyers from around 82 international markets, while the event’s largest-ever exhibition floor reflected continued growth and confidence across the global meetings industry.
Nik Pereira and Neil Brownlee
Showcasing Scotland on the global stage
Scotland once again made a strong impression on the show floor, welcoming over 700 visitors to the Scotland stand across the three-day event, an increase on the previous year. VisitScotland held more than 80 individual appointments, contributing to a total of 290 meetings on the stand when combined with partner activity. These interactions created valuable opportunities to generate future business and further strengthen Scotland’s position as a leading destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and events.
The Busines Events team delivered 11 destination presentations, while Scottish partners contributed a further three presentations, including sessions from the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Limitless DMC and Cameron House, and Convention Edinburgh and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC).
The IMEX America edition of our Journey to Change magazine was downloaded 212 times, broadening Scotland’s exposure to influential event planners and decision-makers across the global meetings industry.
A highlight of the week was the lively “no Scotland, no Party” networking event, hosted in partnership with Meet Boston. Featuring Scottish hospitality alongside Boston-inspired refreshments, the event celebrated the growing friendship and collaboration between the two destinations, with VisitScotland’s Head of Business Events, Neil Brownlee and Meet Boston’s Nik Pereira marking the occasion with a special exchange of gifts.
The ever-popular Scottish Reception also returned, complete with a traditional welcome from resident piper Stuart Wishart and a narrated whisky tasting delivered in partnership with Limitless DMC and 2B UK DMC.
While enquiry activity is still being recorded, early indications suggest Scotland is on track to exceed the levels achieved at IMEX America 2025.
Scottish industry partners and Business Events team
Team Scotland at IMEX America 2026
Joining VisitScotland on the Scotland stand were:
2B UK DMC, Cameron House, Edinburgh Convention Bureau, Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), Gleneagles, Horizons by TPG Scotland DMC, Limitless DMC, Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh, The Caledonian Edinburgh, Trump Turnberry and W Edinburgh.
Rachel Williamson, North American Sales Director, Gleneagles said: “For Gleneagles, IMEX America is a highlight of the MICE calendar and this year’s record-breaking attendance made it a great opportunity to give clients a taste of what makes our Glorious Playground so special. From engaging activations on the stand to catching up with familiar faces and making new connections, there was a real energy throughout the show. We’re grateful to VisitScotland for helping us showcase what makes Scotland such an extraordinary destination for business events.”
Michelle Davidson, Association Business Development Specialist, Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) said: “As a long-standing partner of VisitScotland, we’re always delighted to join the Scotland stand, and IMEX America continues to deliver a growing return on investment for us. North America is a really important market for EICC, and we’re proud to host some fantastic association events from the region. Our relationship with Neil Brownlee and the Business Events team is invaluable.”
Business Events team delivers a presentation for hosted buyers
Strong industry engagement beyond the exhibition floor
The week provided valuable opportunities for VisitScotland’s Business Events team to engage with industry leaders and key stakeholders beyond the exhibition hall.
Ahead of IMEX America, Neil Brownlee attended the PCMA Board of Directors and Trustees Meeting in San Francisco. During IMEX week, he also joined two of the industry’s most prestigious gatherings: “An Evening of Legacy and Leadership”, celebrating the contribution of ConferenceDirect founder Brian D. Stevens while raising US$1 million for hospitality education initiatives and the Events Industry Council (EIC) Global Awards, which recognised outstanding leadership, innovation and impact across the global business events sector.
Rory Archibald, Senior Business Events Manager, represented Scotland on a panel discussion at the “EIC and MPI Smart Mondays” session exploring findings from the EIC Futures Landscape Study, focusing on equity and inclusion within the global business events industry. He also attended a number of high-profile networking events, including the LGBT MPA Reception, the “Miles Partnership DMO Sales Leaders & Planners” round table lunch, and receptions hosted by both PCMA and ICCA.
no Scotland, no Party with Meet Boston reception
Looking ahead
IMEX America 2026 further strengthened Scotland’s reputation as a leading global destination for business events, providing a platform to showcase the country’s expertise, hospitality and leading event infrastructure to international buyers and decision-makers.
With new connections established, strong levels of engagement achieved and positive enquiry activity emerging, the team now looks ahead to the next major international industry gathering, IBTM World, where Scotland will continue to promote its distinctive business events offering on the global stage.
If you would like to explore future opportunities for your business, or are looking for a host destination for your next event, please get in touch with our team.
