First look at Imex America 2026’s education program

03.08.2026

The first details of Imex America 2026’s education line-up have been revealed, with a program built around the realities shaping the industry today—from AI and accessibility to event marketing, sustainability and event design.

As Tahira Endean, head of Programming at Imex, explains: “Event professionals are being asked to do more than ever before. They’re expected to embrace new technologies, respond to changing participant expectations, demonstrate impact—and all with limited resources and budget. At a time when change is constant, there’s real value in coming together in person. IRL events create the space to share ideas, find common ground and solve problems collectively. That’s the thinking behind this year’s education program. Every track is designed to help event professionals address the realities of event life and support their face-to-face business meetings with exhibitors across the show floor.” 

The 15th edition of Imex America takes place October 13 – 15 with the full learning schedule going live online in early September. Ahead of this, the program's 12 education tracks can be revealed including five new tracks—all rooted in IMEX’s 2026/2027 Talking Point, Design Matters, celebrating design as the ultimate experience and brand differentiator. Attendees can mix and match to craft a bespoke learning journey tailored around their meeting schedule and to fit their own personal goals and interests. 

Five new ways to shape the learning journey:

1. Designing for human needs 

A seasoned clinical psychologist is among the speakers, discussing how to support and amplify the strengths of neurodivergent employees. Other sessions explore how event professionals can create experiences that meet a wide range of participant needs, including mobility, dietary requirements, sensory considerations, neurodivergence, psychological safety and belonging. With 26 percent of US adults living with a visible or invisible need, this track offers a practical approach to accessibility and inclusive event design. 

2. Design for spectacle 

Las Vegas is one of the world's great centers of live experiences, welcoming more than 38 million visitors last year, making it the natural home for a track focused on how memorable events are conceived, built and delivered. Design for spectacle offers sessions covering everything from immersive experiences, sports arenas focused on fan delight to annual events built on community engagement. Sessions will lift the lid on the impact of large-scale design infrastructure, creative leadership and operational excellence. 

3. Design Matters 

Building on Imex's current Talking Point, this track explores how design can create standout experiences and deliver meaningful value for attendees. One of these sessions will introduce attendees to neuroaesthetics, revealing why the science of sensory perception, memory and embodied emotion is now the biggest strategic edge in brand experience. 

4. Regenerative design 

As organizations work towards 2030 and 2050 environmental and social goals, this track showcases practical ways to reduce environmental impact while strengthening ESG initiatives. How to manage event proposals and RFPs through a strategic, sustainable lens will draw on hands-on experience. Speakers will examine where carbon emissions are generated throughout the pitch lifecycle—from travel and site visits to printing and technology use—and how inclusive proposal practices can deliver better outcomes. 

5. Tech enabled futures 

This track investigates how event professionals can use technology to work smarter, streamline operations and improve outcomes. Sessions cover AI, emerging tools and real-world case studies. How to use AI to build a strong personal brand takes center stage in one session, with practical strategies to optimize digital presence, control the narrative and stand out in a crowded market. 

Alongside these new tracks, the Imex learning program also includes Advanced event logistics, Health and well-being, Impact, Experiential event design, Leadership and culture, Marketing and engagement, and Trends and research. 

In line with its vision of ‘a thriving global events industry focused on positive change,’ Imex America provides all professional education free of charge for everyone, along with specialist sessions on Smart Monday, powered by MPI, designed for professionals in corporate, agency and association sectors. Many education sessions also confer points toward Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) accreditation are CSEP Approved and ICCASkills accredited.