IMEX America 2026 highlights AI agents and industry developments

The 15th annual IMEX America convention, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, brought together over 17,800 event professionals. The event featured more than 96,000 scheduled meetings, marking its largest edition to date.

Artificial intelligence emerged as a dominant topic, specifically regarding the rise of AI agents. Experts noted that these agents are increasingly performing tasks on behalf of humans, such as interacting with registration platforms and booking travel. Industry leaders advised organizations to manage AI agents with caution, suggesting they be treated like interns and given limited access to data to mitigate operational risks.

Other industry updates included the upcoming renovation of the Palm Springs Riviera Hotel into the Intercontinental Resort & Spa Palm Springs, scheduled for completion in 2027. Additionally, the Palm Springs Convention Center announced a three-year renovation project beginning in 2027, intended to modernize meeting spaces and improve connectivity to downtown areas.