Citing strong demand from associations, hotels, and agencies, IMEX America has expanded its hosted buyer program just four months after launching it, the IMEX Group announced today.

Originally expecting to accommodate 1,500 hosted buyers—making it the largest-ever hosted buyer program at a U.S. travel trade show—IMEX America will now host 2,000 hosted buyers when it launches in Las Vegas in October 2011.

"Our previous figures were confident but conservative," IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom said in a statement. "Recent discussions with our partners and other new business alliances make it clear that there is pent-up demand. I'm confident we will see 2,000 hosted buyers at IMEX America—an increase of more than 30 percent on our previous announcement."

Qualifications for placement in IMEX America's hosted buyer program will follow strict guidelines based on those already in place at IMEX in Frankfurt, according to Bloom.

"IMEX puts extremely high levels of effort and detail into making sure that only buyers who are active, serious, and proven to place business attend as our hosted buyer guests," he continued. "We already have some excellent partnerships with intermediaries who are similarly committed to these high standards and to driving serious business at the show. Together we place the strongest emphasis possible on getting this aspect of IMEX America absolutely right from the start."

He further remarked: "This is what our exhibitors expect, and this is why IMEX has an unparalleled reputation. MPI, Site, PCMA, and ASAE are just some of the most important organizations we will work with in the U.S. to drive buyer attendance. They know and understand our unique model and are highly committed to it." This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy