Top 10 Must Attend Events In 2021 For The Events Industry

August 4, 2021 Mario Stewart

 

1. IMEX America

 

This three day trade show, which runs from November 09th - 11th in Las Vegas, is a world renowned event, having received several prestigious awards. IMEX America is free to attend for the public, and inside the venue they are able to meet with over 3,500 exhibiting companies that represent the best the event planning industry has to offer! This expo also includes a hosted buyer program, which is the largest in the country, and allows you to book appointments in advance, thus you are able to make the most of your time and be as productive as possible. Please visit https://www.imexamerica.com for more details about the trade show and to buy tickets!

 

2. The Event Planner Expo

The Event Planner Expo has been ranked as the number one expo for the event planning and hospitality industries, and for valid reasons so. While I’m sure some of you have been to trade shows that could best be defined as a complete snooze-fest, this show is the complete opposite of that. The expo presents their attendees with endless opportunities to network, while also incorporating a party-like atmosphere into the showcase. Attendees can expect a three day event that encapsulates over 100 exhibitors and 3,000 event professionals all under one roof. This can’t-miss event takes place at the Metropolitan Pavilion Oct 12th-14th and features an all-star line up of world renowned keynote speakers including, celebrity event planner Colin Cowie, and Founder of FUBU and Star of Shark Tank, Daymond John. The Event Planner Expo is celebrating their 9 year anniversary this year, and anticipating a bigger and better turnout than ever before. You are guaranteed to walk away feeling driven, energized, and inspired, along with innumerable more high-end business connections. For more information about this event please visit http://www.theeventplannerexpo.com!

2. IBTM America

IBTM America is a two day member-only event, where the industry’s top buyers and suppliers are in attendance, and able to meet one-on-one. This event’s main goal is to unite US and international travel industry suppliers, with the most highly qualified event planners. The show takes place from August 18th – 19th in Centro Citibanamex, Mexico City. Not only is IBTM hosting this event in Mexico, but they also host similar events in America, Africa, China and Latin America. For more information regarding the event and to sign up and become a member, visit http://www.ibtmamerica.com!

 

3. ILEA Live

ILEA Live is a three day event which is held on August 10th through August 12th and it will be fully virtual this year. This year's event will be powered by connection and collaboration — with a program of education and networking focused on the theme “Embracing Transformation.” ILEA is a global company with thousands of creative event professionals who are amongst the top in their industries around the world. Their company includes event planners, caterers, decorators, entertainers, educators, photographers, hotel managers and audio-visual technicians. This conference is an educational experience where event professionals can collaborate and connect with peer companies, and strengthen and sharpen their business approaches. This year the ILEA Live program will conclude with the ILEA Esprit Awards Celebration, powered by CORT Events, as the finale event on Friday, August 13. Maximize your potential as a live events professional at ILEA Live 2021. Your registration fee is all-inclusive with access to attend both events, so be sure to take advantage of this top of the line event and learn more information about it at https://www.ileahub.com/Events/ILEA-LIVE-2021

 

4. MPI World Education Congress

MPI’s WEC VEGAS is scheduled for June 14th through June 17th in Las Vegas, and is expected to be unlike any other typical trade show. By incorporating an overall dynamic vibe, WEC is providing attendees with an unforgettable experience rather than a day full of meetings. WEC Vegas at CAESARS FORUM is your opportunity to get together with your peers, roll up your sleeves, sharpen your pencils and draw up the blueprint of what the future of your profession looks like. At this expo you are able to interact and network with over 2,000 global event professionals, and participate in discussions regarding the latest trends in the industry. Additionally, WEC’s closing night celebration will feature the music of rock legend Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. For more information about this trade show, please visit their website at https://wec.mpi.org/

 

5. Biz Bash Florida

BizBash kicks off at the Tampa Convention center Aug 30th - Sept 1st. Attendees can expect three days packed with education sessions, activations, curated conversations, one-on-one appointments, an interactive exhibition floor and networking opportunities in a lively environment. Whether you’re looking to attend or sponsor, you can’t miss this chance to uncover fresh ideas, gain inspiration and grow your brand and network. You can even attend from the comfort of your own home for free when you register on their website.

https://www.bizbashlive.com/tampa21

 

6. The Special Event

The Special Event is among the industry’s most popular trade show for all professionals in the event planning industry. At this colossal event spanning from July 19th through July 22nd in Miami Florida, you are able to connect with over 5,000 companies, exhibitors and mentors. While most expos offer a few key speakers, this expo offers over 100 education sessions to choose from! There is sure to be a seminar available for everyone! Plus their trade show floor will showcase over 100 exhibitors. Read more about this colossal event at https://exhibit.thespecialeventshow.com/tse21/Public/Enter.aspx

 

 7. Canada Special Events Live

Canada Special Events Live is boasting two special events this year. CSE Live RISE will take place September 27th 2021 then CSE Live EventFest runs April 3rd-4th, 2022 and they round it out with the Canadian Event Awards, April 5, 2022. CSE celebrates being Canada’s only national conference for individuals solely in the event planning industry. This event is designed and fabricated to provide attendees with the inspiration, ideas and resources necessary  to create innovative, excellent events. CSE Live has a fantastic lineup of experienced speakers with past speakers including Grail Noble, Peter Carruthers, Janice Cardinale, Mariela McIlwraith, Keri Miller and Jordan Benson. You can attend live or digitally from cities across Canada to network with your peers, discover amazing new event vendors, find creative ideas and most importantly, learn everything you need to know to return to events safely. Refer to their website at https://canadianspecialevents.com/ to get tickets!

 

 8. CVENT

If your focus is the tech side of the event industry, or you just want to gain knowledge and familiarize yourself with what are the newest things coming out in 2021, then Cvent is for you. Cvent hosts the world’s premier event technology conference. Cvent CONNECT brings together meetings, events, and hospitality professionals to evolve and inspire their meeting and event programs, and put cutting-edge strategies into practice. Their North America CONNECT event takes place in Las Vegas August 1st-4th and will also be virtual. They also have another CONNECT later in the year in London October 4th-6th as well as virtual too! Expand your network of industry peers that leverage technology in innovative ways and engage with the latest event technology at Cvent.

https://www.cvent.com/en/cvent-connect

 

9. IAVM's VenueConnect

The 96th VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show will be in Atlanta for 2021. VenueConnect hosts professionals from a spectrum of public assembly venues including arenas, convention centers, amphitheaters, fairgrounds, performing arts centers, stadiums, universities, and more. This is the only industry conference that inspires industry leaders, provides targeted education, and brings attendees together creating relationships that last a lifetime. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose sector-specific education or sessions with more broad topics that would appeal to any sector during the conference in Atlanta. All sessions are developed by top industry leaders and provide access to current trends and topics concerning industry professionals today. Topics include: Leadership Diversity & Inclusion, Strategic Thinking, Guest Services and so much more! Check out their website for more info.

https://s36.a2zinc.net/clients/iaam/vc2021/Public/enter.aspx

 

10. Destination Hawaii 

Have you always wanted to attend a tradeshow or conference but wanted more of a ‘getaway’ than just getting away from the office? Destination Hawaii is the leading hosted-buyer event for qualified meetings and incentive professionals looking to do business in Hawaii taking place Sept 8th-11th. Guests will be able to meet with the state's top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues. Attendees participate in one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments, gain industry insights from our guest speakers and network with this exclusive group, all while enjoying the exotic island of Maui. This unique event is hosted by Northstar Meetings Group’s leading brands—Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, and Incentive magazine. If you are looking to expand your business to Hawaii this is your opportunity!

https://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/Events/Destination-Hawaii

Make sure to attend the #2 must attend event for the Events Industry, The Event Planner Expo. Visit our site to get your tickets now: https://www.theeventplannerexpo.com/

 

 
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