The 5 Appointments Every Planner Should Lock in at IMEX 2025

IMEX America is a marathon of meetings. The calendar fills fast, the floor is crowded, and it’s easy to get caught in conversations that don’t move the needle. The smartest planners walk in with focus. They know exactly which appointments will pay dividends long after the badge comes off.

Here are five meetings worth securing now...

Cruise Charters That Scale

Ocean and river ships are commanding attention this year. Entire buyouts are being used as floating resorts, with planners leveraging all-inclusive ease and built-in entertainment. A single conversation with the right cruise partner can unlock scalable recognition travel for years to come.

Destinations with Depth

The shift away from surface-level incentives is real. Planners are looking for cultural immersion, longer stays, and story-driven itineraries. Sit down with destinations that offer more than pretty backdrops, look for the ones weaving local heritage, wellness, and sustainability into their programs.

Tech That Saves Time

It’s not about shiny gadgets anymore. AI-powered scheduling, matchmaking, and carbon-tracking dashboards are reshaping how planners work. One good demo can streamline your RFP process, make attendee journeys more personal, and free up hours every week.

Hotel Groups with Flexibility

Capacity matters, but so does customization. Hotels and resorts that can bend to program needs: hybrid spaces, buyout options, and menu agility, are all rising to the top of planners’ lists. A single appointment with the right sales team can redefine what’s possible for your next incentive.

The right meetings at IMEX don’t end in Vegas. They set the partnerships and priorities that drive incentive travel all year long.

Partners Who Think Long Game

The real wins at IMEX often come from unexpected corners: boutique DMCs, specialist suppliers, and

niche experiences that elevate programs beyond the expected. Seek out partners who ask questions about your audience and vision, not just your budget. Those are the conversations that shape relationships, not just transactions.

Why It Matters

Every planner’s IMEX diary is packed, but not every appointment carries the same weight. The meetings you prioritize now will determine the programs you deliver next year. Lock in the ones that align with your strategy, and you’ll leave Vegas with more than business cards, you’ll leave with momentum.

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Whether you’re skipping IMEX or simply don’t have time to cover it all, AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® is here to source, shortlist, and connect you with the right suppliers. GET IN TOUCH