Czech MICE Sector Shines Globally: Highlights from IMEX America 2025 and What to Expect in 2026
This year’s IMEX America attracted a total of 17,633 attendees, including 6,145 buyers. As Tereza Hofmanova, Senior Manager of the Czech Convention Bureau, notes, „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. For instance, 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. Additionally, the total number of buyers is steadily increasing, with 445 more attending the fair this year. This is a very desirable development for Czech exhibitors and for us.“
This year, Czech representation included several venues: the O2 Universum Prague & Stages Hotel Prague, Výstaviště Praha, and Kongresové Centrum Praha, along with Czech DMCs such as Senator Meetings & Incentives, Passion For Prague, IMS Prague, Eastern Europe Tours, and La Bohéme Group. A representative from the Prague Convention Bureau was also present at the stand, and hotel representation came from Almanac X Alcron Prague. „This year, we had interested parties who unfortunately could not reach the stand due to capacity reasons. Therefore, it is evident that despite the high travel and accommodation costs associated with the fair, there is significant interest in participation among Czech entities,“ adds the Senior Manager of the Czech Convention Bureau. According to feedback from this year’s edition, 75% of exhibitors received a concrete demand for their events, while 25% are still waiting for further developments.
The meetings held during the fair are a valuable tool for Czech exhibitors to establish new contacts and inquiries. This year, a total of 92,000 pre-planned meetings took place during the fair, which included not only buyers from the USA but also representatives from Singaporean and Argentinian companies.
„IMEX America has proven once again to be an effective and desirable tool for strengthening the Czech MICE sector on the international stage. Consequently, CzechTourism is planning to secure space for Czech exhibitors for the next edition, scheduled for 13-15.10.2026,“ concludes Tereza Hofmanová.
However, MICE activities focusing on the US market do not end here. In early December, the Czech Convention Bureau and CzechTourism USA & Canada, in collaboration with the Prague Convention Bureau, are organizing a Christmas MICE trip for American buyers.
