Czech MICE sector on the global scene: news from IMEX America 2025 and outlook to 2026

This year's IMEX America had 17 633 attendees, of which 6 145 were buyers. As Tereza Hofmanova, senior manager of the Czech Convention Bureau comments, „We have seen attendance grow each year, with an increase of 1 833 visitors compared to the 2024 edition. The diversification of buyers is essential – while in previous years it was primarily buyers from the USA, the participation of buyers from Latin America is growing, where for example only Brazilian buyers accounted for 4% and Mexican buyers for 3% of all buyers. Canada, Spain and Australia are also among the top 10 countries represented this year. At the same time, the total number of buyers is also steadily increasing, with 445 more coming to the fair this year. This is of course a very desirable development for Czech exhibitors and for us.“

Czech representation this year was provided by several venues: the O2 universum Prague & Stages Hotel Prague, Výstaviště Praha, Kongresové Centrum Praha; as well as Czech DMCs: Senator Meetings & Incentives, Passion For Prague, IMS Prague, Eastern Europe Tours and La Bohéme Group. There was also a representative of the Prague Convention Bureau at the stand, and hotel representation was provided by Almanac X Alcron Prague. „This year we also had interested parties who unfortunately could not get to the stand due to capacity reasons. Therefore, it is evident that despite the costly travel and stay within the framework of the fair there is a high interest in participation among Czech entities,“ adds senior manager of the Czech Convention Bureau. According to the available feedback from this year's edition, 75% of exhibitors have received a concrete demand for the event, 25% are still waiting for further developments.

The meetings held during the fair are a valuable tool for Czech exhibitors to gain new contacts and, consequently, enquiries. A total of 92 000 pre-planned meetings were held during the fair this year; in addition to those with buyers from the USA, the CezchTourism diary also included meetings with representatives of Singaporean or Argentinian companies.

„IMEX America proved once again this year to be an effective and desirable tool for strengthening the Czech MICE sector on the international scene. Therefore, CzechTourism is counting on securing space for Czech exhibitors also for the upcoming edition, namely 13-15.10.2026,“ concludes Tereza Hofmanová.

The MICE activities focusing on the US market do not end here, however; already in early December, the Czech Convention Bureau and CzechTourism USA & Canada in cooperation with the Prague Convention Bureau are expecting a Christmas MICE trip for American buyers.

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