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Join the IMEX hosted buyer program
Be our guest at IMEX America. You'll enjoy a VIP experience at IMEX, as well as exclusive social opportunities and free travel and accommodations.
Who can be a hosted buyer?
If you regularly plan or commission large-scale global events, you can join our hosted buyer program.
Our hosted buyer program is designed for event professionals coming to IMEX with business in mind. You'll experience the best of the show while making the business connections that matter.
If you'd like a VIP experience with free travel and free accommodations while you're at the show, and can commit to making appointments with our exhibitors, then apply today!
Why buyers love our hosted buyer program
Free and easy travel and accommodations
As a hosted buyer, you'll enjoy free flights, free accommodations and the knowledge that we're taking care of the details. Attendance is free too of course – and there are no cancelation fees or fines.
Flexible appointment scheduling
IMEX offers the most flexible hosted buyer program in the world. You're in control of your appointments and meetings, with complete flexibility.
Mutual commitment
Your commitment is to make appointments with exhibitors using our online system (at least six to eight per day). Our commitment is to help you have highly productive meetings, build rewarding relationships and have a fabulous IMEX experience!
Global contacts and connections
Boost your contact book through an array of social events, hosted dinners and industry gatherings. Your hosted buyer status is your ticket to the best parties in town.
Free professional development
From education tailored to your specialism at our Association Leadership Forum, Executive Meeting Forum and Corporate Focus events, to expert insight at drop-in education throughout the show. IMEX is your route to the latest industry trends, knowledge and innovation.
Exclusive lounge access
Exclusively for hosted buyers, our Hosted Buyer Lounge is designed to help you recharge, relax and refresh. Catch up with calls, with fellow hosted buyers, and with our friendly Hosted Buyer Team - there to answer any questions you might have.
3,379
hosted buyers in 2022
62,000
appointments in 2022
3,331
exhibiting countries in 2022
How can I be a hosted buyer?
Applying to be a hosted buyer
Around 300 of our exhibitors invite their key clients to come to IMEX as hosted buyers (we call these exhibitors ‘intermediaries’). So, if you receive an invitation from one of them, and you’d like to be a hosted buyer, follow the link they've sent you, create your IMEX account, and use the unique invitation code to join their hosted buyer group.
If you prefer you can also register with us direct.
We'll check your registration and let you know if you've been approved as a hosted buyer. This takes around 10 working days. If you don't meet our qualifying criteria, we'll invite you to register as a buyer attendee instead.
Hosted buyer qualifying criteria
When you apply to the hosted buyer program, we'll assess your application against our qualifying criteria.
The qualifying criteria look at your role, the events you organize and your purchasing power. We also ask you to commit to attending genuine business appointments with exhibitors.
See the hosted buyer qualifying criteria
Hosted buyer appointments
All buyers commit to making at least six to eight 30-minute appointments per day direct with exhibitors using our Exhibitor Directory and online appointment system. Hosted buyers can also join group appointments (scheduled by us) or exhibitor presentations (a great way to explore new destinations and ideas). As an approved buyer, four weeks before the show you'll be able to sign in to your IMEX account and make appointments. We'll guide you through every step.
Learn more about appointments
Convince your boss toolkit
If you need to convince your manager why you should attend IMEX, our convince your boss toolkit helps build the case:
Convince your boss email
IMEX America expenses
Benefits of attending IMEX America
Letter to compliance department
All buyers commit to making at least six to eight 30-minute appointments per day direct with exhibitors using our Exhibitor Directory and online appointment system. Hosted buyers can also join group appointments (scheduled by us) or exhibitor presentations (a great way to explore new destinations and ideas). As an approved buyer, four weeks before the show you'll be able to sign in to your IMEX account and make appointments. We'll guide you through every step.
Learn more about appointments
Convince your boss toolkit
If you need to convince your manager why you should attend IMEX, our convince your boss toolkit helps build the case:
Convince your boss email
IMEX America expenses
Benefits of attending IMEX America
Letter to compliance department
Sarah Lloyd
Director of Hosted Buyer Programmes
Maria Gaillez
Relationship Manager