Three things IMEX told us about 2027 events

At IMEX, planners consistently described the same challenge: delivering more ambitious events with smaller teams and tighter budgets. Here are three takeaways our team heard on the show floor in Las Vegas, and how event planners can act on them as they prepare for 2027 events.

1  Ask for honesty before you ask for a bid

Planners are moving away from transactional bidding. Service and relationships matter as much as technical skill, and the best conversations start with understanding the client's business.

Try this: Ask any partner for a realistic budget and timeline before you issue an RFP.

2    Get a team that works as an extension of yours

With fewer people and less bandwidth, planners need a production partner, not just an AV provider- one that brings strategic guidance, handles operations, and stays consistent from event to event.

Try this: Look for a partner who can own production from planning through show day.

3   Experience makes the message stick

Attendees are overstimulated, so a coherent, engaging experience helps the message land. Event marketing research suggests attendees who find meaning in an experience are more likely to remember it and return. Experience doesn't replace the message. It makes the message memorable.

Try this: Before finalizing budgets, set the engagement goals your general session needs to hit.

Planning 2027 events?

Let's talk before your next RFP