IMEX America 2026前瞻：新增三条教育轨道、Catalyst Lab与Circadian Cove Rx

More than 17,000 event professionals are expected to attend this year's IMEX America in Las Vegas.Photo: Courtesy of IMEX Group

It's officially October, and you know what that means, event profs—IMEX America is just around the corner. This year, the event takes place Oct. 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. More than 17,000 event professionals are expected to attend and explore a trade show floor chock-full of domestic and global destinations, tech, and other solutions specifically for event professionals.

Aside from the exhibitors and one-on-one appointments, attendees this year can expect more than 200 education sessions, more than 300 speakers, and a host of wellness activities and activations. To take us through it, BizBash tapped IMEX head of program Tahira Endean. Below, she shares what's new and can't-miss at IMEX America 2026...

1. A main talking point of "Design Matters"

With artificial intelligence still a buzzy business topic, the IMEX team wanted to explore the idea of human-centered design. "How are we creating more humanizing sales, events, all of those things in the face of all this AI slop (in many cases)? How do we design beyond that?" Endean asks.

So expect this to be an overarching theme at this year's show, with plenty of education sessions analyzing this topic directly.

2. New education tracks—and session blocks that let you go deeper on one topic

Education is a core pillar of any IMEX show. At this year's Las Vegas edition, attendees can choose from hundreds of sessions. That might sound overwhelming, but the event website allows users to easily filter through different tracks and tags.

The show is also introducing three new tracks for 2026:

• Designing for Human Needs: This track will go deep on accessibility and inclusion. "For people who want to enhance their education on those topics or have events that can benefit from that kind of thinking, we have sessions that cover everything from neuro-inclusion to physical accessibility to mental health and well-being," Endean says.

• Design for Spectacle: This track will look at how Las Vegas attractions and experiences—including the A’s, the Golden Knights, F1, AREA15, and the Sphere—are creating and designing unique experiences for groups. Endean says to expect answers to questions like: "How are they thinking about community? How are they thinking about creating those spectacles that have to be repeatable? How do we create a spectacle that feels consistent and that you want to be a part of?"

• Design Matters: Of course, this year's talking point has its own track. Endean says the sessions under this track will focus on design as a tool for brand differentiation.

The Inspiration Hub, where all education takes place, will move off the show floor this year. It will now be located off the Bayside Foyer before entering the show floor. Photo: Courtesy of IMEX Group

Along with new tracks, Endean says her team has created block sessions this year. This means that, rather than trying to catch a session on every topic, attendees are encouraged to block time for a single topic—sales and marketing, accessibility, sustainability, etc.—that they want to explore in depth.

For example, if an event prof wanted to focus on inclusivity, they could attend the numerous sessions taking place back-to-back on Tuesday morning from Damon Brooks & Associates, a speakers bureau that works with differently abled keynote speakers.

Endean says her team wanted to create "a concentrated time where people can either dip in and out for a 20-25 minute session, or they can come and get a lot of different perspectives and leave with their head exploding with really great new ideas."

Another notable change in education this year: The Inspiration Hub, where all education takes place, will move off the show floor. It will now be located off the Bayside Foyer before entering the show floor. (This is where the hosted buyer lounge used to be—that lounge will now be located upstairs.)

3. Can't-miss speakers

Wondering which speakers stand out this year? Endean gave numerous recs. Here's who caught our eye:

• Community-First Thinking When the World Is Arriving: LVCVA's Rebecca DeLuca and Formula 1's Lori Nelson-Kraft will discuss how LVCVA has involved the greater Las Vegas community in the annual Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. They'll also share tips for how attendees can apply a community-first approach to their own events. Wednesday, 2:05 p.m., Inspiration Hub | Perspectives Theater, B4100

• Empowered Connection in a Digitally Layered Landscape: One of this year's keynote speakers is Caitlin Krause, an experience designer, author, keynote speaker, and strategic advisor working at the intersection of human connection, well-being, and emerging technology. At IMEX, she will explore how AI, immersive media, and digital habits are reshaping human connection. "I saw her speak about three years ago, and I still remember it," Endean says. Monday, 1:15 p.m., North Convention Center | South Pacific EF

• Exceeding Expectations in the Contemporary Culinary Experience: Hear from a panel that includes Zena Phillips (Hilton), Tracy Stuckrath (Thrive! Meetings & Events), Monique Rochard (Cordis), and Jen Veralle (Mindful Drinking Movement), who will explore how changing dietary preferences, growing interest in alcohol-free choices, and the use of GLP-1 medications are reshaping food and beverage expectations. Wednesday, 10 a.m., Inspiration Hub | Ideas Theater, B4100

The Resilience Room—a quiet space where attendees can pause, recharge, and re-engage—will also return this year as part of IMEX's wellness programming. Photo: Courtesy of IMEX Group

4. Expanded programming at Circadian Cove

In 2025, IMEX launched Circadian Cove, a wellness lounge created in partnership with Olympian Meeting and Dr. Jess Garza of Legacy Mindset. The wellness activation offered programming timed to attendees' natural circadian rhythm.

The partnership will expand for 2026 with the launch of Circadian Cove Rx: Medical-Grade Wellness for Events, created in partnership with Carbon World Health and guided by Dr. Nestor Rodriguez, a board-certified emergency medicine physician.

Circadian Cove Rx will build on the original Circadian Cove model. Expect a clinical and physiological layer added to that circadian rhythm foundation.

"They worked with, and will have on site, an emergency room physician," Endean says. "So if event planners have questions about what we're doing at events to take care of ourselves, there are some really great resources there. They've really amped up the programming."

5. A new "Catalyst Lab"

Another new feature this year: the Catalyst Lab, taking place during Smart Monday. This interactive experience, with facilitated discussions, will focus on "what happens next in the event industry," Endean says. "How do we solve these challenges that are coming?" The lab will allow time for attendees to contribute what those challenges are, whether it's AI, generational, talent acquisition, etc.

It will also include time to network. The lab will run all day, but attendees can sign up for specific times. "We really want to hear from as many people in the industry as possible," Endean says.

About the Author

Editorial Director

Sarah Kloepple is the editorial director for BizBash and has been with the brand since 2022. She previously held editor roles at Meetings Today and St. Louis Magazine.