IMEX America 2026 Sees São Paulo, Montenegro and Rwanda Attract New Business Opportunities in Las Vegas

IMEX America 2026 sees São Paulo, Montenegro and Rwanda attract new business opportunities in Las Vegas as international buyers explore emerging meetings and incentive destinations. The event highlights growing demand for face-to-face partnerships, stronger destination visibility and inclusive event experiences, reinforcing the commercial importance of global business tourism.

Emerging Destinations Gain Attention at IMEX America 2026

IMEX America 2026 has demonstrated the growing commercial importance of international meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), with emerging destinations attracting interest from buyers seeking new locations for corporate gatherings and incentive travel.

During the second day of the exhibition at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, tourism organisations, convention bureaux and hospitality representatives reported encouraging business discussions, fresh enquiries and opportunities to strengthen their international presence.

São Paulo, Montenegro and Rwanda emerged as examples of destinations using the exhibition to connect with decision-makers and promote their expanding business events capabilities.

Their participation reflected a wider industry trend towards destination diversification, as event planners increasingly consider locations beyond established conference and incentive travel markets.

São Paulo Targets Greater Participation in the US Meetings Market

São Paulo participated as a first-time exhibitor, presenting its tourism infrastructure, hospitality offerings and business events potential to international buyers.

Representing the City Hall of São Paulo, Estella Barros explained that the Brazilian city is seeking to expand its visibility among American event planners and incentive travel organisers.

According to Barros, having a dedicated exhibition stand allows São Paulo to communicate its distinctive attractions and demonstrate why it deserves greater consideration for international meetings.

The city’s presence also supports its ambition to develop stronger commercial relationships with US-based buyers.

For São Paulo, the exhibition provides an opportunity to position itself as an alternative destination for organisations seeking new cultural experiences alongside established urban business infrastructure.

Montenegro Promotes Its Expanding Meetings and Incentive Tourism Sector

Montenegro also made its debut as an exhibitor, highlighting the country’s developing position in the international meetings and incentive travel market.

Aleksandra Maksimovic from the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro reported interest from buyers exploring destinations that offer new experiences.

The country’s growing hospitality capacity and arrival of internationally recognised hotel brands are helping strengthen its ability to accommodate corporate groups and incentive programmes.

Montenegro’s participation reflects the increasing importance of destination promotion in attracting international business events.

For European tourism stakeholders, such exhibitions provide opportunities to introduce developing markets to buyers who may have limited previous experience of those destinations.

Rwanda Secures Three Business Enquiries During the Exhibition

Rwanda Convention Bureau reported particularly encouraging results following its return to IMEX America.

Carolyne Nkwihoreze confirmed that the organisation had already received three requests for proposals (RFPs) on the first day of the exhibition.

The enquiries involved Wikipedia, the International Federation of Landscape Architects and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Although an RFP does not guarantee a confirmed booking, it represents a significant early opportunity for destinations competing to host international conferences and professional gatherings.

Rwanda’s participation also illustrates how repeated attendance at major industry exhibitions can help build buyer confidence.

Greater destination visibility, combined with direct engagement, can support long-term relationships and improve the likelihood of converting enquiries into future events.

Industry Leaders Highlight the Importance of Human Connection

Beyond destination promotion, IMEX America 2026 placed considerable emphasis on the continuing value of face-to-face interaction.

During the State of the Industry discussion, representatives from US Travel, Marriott Bonvoy Convention & Resort Network and IMEX examined how live events create memorable experiences and strengthen professional relationships.

Kevin Hinton, Amanda Cox and Carina Bauer explored destination perceptions, event design, contingency planning and managing uncertainty.

Bauer emphasised the importance of preparing for difficult scenarios, while Cox highlighted the need for shared responsibility between clients and suppliers.

The discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration, particularly as event organisers navigate changing business conditions and operational expectations.

Inclusive Event Design Becomes a Priority

Accessibility and neurodivergent-inclusive event planning also featured prominently during the exhibition.

Paula Rowntree from the Australian Psychological Society presented practical approaches to creating more welcoming event environments.

Her session explored how sensory considerations, including background sounds, can influence attendee experiences.

Raumon Tatum from Etherio, Illinois, similarly emphasised that inclusive environments encourage stronger engagement and participation.

These discussions demonstrated that successful business events depend not only on attendance figures and commercial transactions but also on the quality of the participant experience.

For organisers, inclusive planning can support more effective learning, networking and professional interaction.

IMEX America 2026 reinforced the value of international exhibitions in generating business opportunities and strengthening destination partnerships. Interest in São Paulo, Montenegro and Rwanda demonstrated expanding demand for emerging markets, while discussions on human connection, shared responsibility and inclusive design highlighted priorities shaping the future of global meetings tourism.