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By Durrant Pate/ Contributor

Jamaica and its Caribbean neighbours are now showcasing the region’s excellence in travel and tourism at IMEX America 2024, starting today in Las Vegas.

IMEX America is the largest trade show for the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry. Held annually at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, the event brings together suppliers and buyers from every sector of the meetings industry under one roof. 

The Caribbean is being represented there by Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Aruba, The Bahamas, and Barbados. Destination Jamaica has packaged itself as a  “Growing Meetings Destination”. The island is being represented at the trade show by the Jamaica Tourist Board, which will have a significant presence. 

Caribbean’s strong presence at IMEX America 2024

The Caribbean’s participation at IMEX America 2024 underscores the region’s growing importance in the global meetings and events industry. With Jamaica, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Aruba and Barbados all represented, the event will highlight the Caribbean’s ability to offer world-class facilities, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional service for business events. 

Whether you’re planning a conference, incentive trip, or corporate meeting, the Caribbean is ready to deliver a unique and memorable experience that blends business with the beauty of the islands. As one of the most vibrant destinations in the Caribbean, Jamaica has been positioning itself as a key player in the meetings and events sector.

Jamaica: A growing meetings destination

The Jamaica Tourist Board will showcase the island’s ability to host a variety of corporate events and incentive trips. From the serene coastal venues to the lively cities, Jamaica offers diverse settings for meetings and events. In 2023, some 4,201 hosted buyers attended IMEX America and Jamaica aims to tap into this high-profile audience. Many buyers at IMEX control substantial budgets with 27 per cent managing more than US$10 million, making the event a crucial opportunity for destinations like Jamaica to showcase its value proposition.

The Bahamas: Showcasing luxury and business synergy

This year the Bahamas has brought in a strong team headed by its Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, which also includes Atlantis Paradise Island, Equilibrium Events, the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board as well as similar boards from the other islands making up the archipelago. The presence of The Bahamas at IMEX America highlights its position as a top choice for meetings, conferences, and incentive travel. 

Atlantis Paradise Island will showcase its world-renowned luxury resort, which offers not only leisure but high-end meeting facilities, making it a prime destination for corporate events. The Bahamas Tourism Ministry will present its ongoing efforts to develop the region as a hub for both tourism and business. 

The country is investing in infrastructure that supports the growing demand for business travel, providing a luxurious backdrop for both small meetings and large international conferences. With hosted buyers from over 65 countries attending, The Bahamas is poised to capture the interest of those seeking to combine business with a tropical paradise.

Puerto Rico: A meetings hub with modern facilities

Puerto Rico will make its mark at IMEX America 2024, represented by Castillo Destination Management, Destination Puerto Rico, and the Puerto Rico Convention Center. Puerto Rico is home to the largest convention center in the Caribbean, offering state-of-the-art facilities ideal for large-scale international conferences and events.

With direct connections to the US mainland and no passport requirements for U.S. citizens, Puerto Rico presents a seamless option for US-based businesses planning international events. Destination Puerto Rico will highlight the island’s mix of modern venues and rich culture, positioning it as a go-to destination for meetings and incentive travel. 

The presence of 1,163 buyer attendees at IMEX 2023 from 43 countries, with 47% of them being corporate buyers, shows that Puerto Rico is on track to capture significant attention at the 2024 event.

Aruba: A tropical paradise for business events

Aruba, known for its year-round sunshine and clear blue waters, will be represented by the Aruba Tourism Authority, Aruba Hilton Caribbean Resort & Casino, ECODMS Aruba, and the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. Aruba has been gaining recognition as a destination for business events, combining its natural beauty with top-notch event facilities.

The Aruba Hilton Caribbean Resort & Casino and Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort offer luxurious accommodations and meeting spaces, while ECODMS Aruba emphasises sustainable event solutions. Aruba’s participation in IMEX America 2024 will highlight the island’s commitment to delivering both eco-friendly and high-end experiences for corporate meetings and events.

Barbados: Business and pleasure in harmony

Barbados will also be featured at IMEX America 2024, showcasing its growing role as a destination for corporate meetings and events. Known for its cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, Barbados offers a unique blend of business and leisure opportunities.

The island’s tourism board will focus on how Barbados provides a mix of traditional elegance and modern facilities, making it an ideal location for corporate retreats, incentive trips, and conferences.

IMEX America is an award-winning show that enables participants to conduct a year’s worth of business, network, and attend specialist education sessions. In 2023, the event hosted 15,029 participants, including 5,364 buyers and facilitated 83,000 meetings. The 2024 edition, running from today (October 7) to October 10, promises to continue the trend with major exhibitors from across the globe, with a significant focus on the Caribbean.

IMEX America 2024 Event Details

IMEX America 2024 kicks off today with a full day of free education at Smart Monday, powered by MPI. The trade show will open to attendees from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on October 8 and October 9, and from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm on the final day, October 10. 

Exhibitors will have early access from 7:00 am on October 8 and from 8:00 am on October 9 and 10. To alleviate crowding, exhibitors are encouraged to arrive before 9:00 am. In 2023, 27% of IMEX’s hosted buyers controlled budgets exceeding US$10 million, and 43% held director-level or above positions. 

These decision-makers represent powerful opportunities for Caribbean destinations to secure new business. Atlantis Paradise Island, Cayman Airways, Puerto Rico Convention Center, Aruba Hilton, and other exhibitors from The Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Aruba, and Barbados will be key players in connecting with this influential audience.