Prevue November/December 2014 - (Page 36)

Quantomais installation at Expo Milano gate IMEX America Discovering new ways to bring people together I [ON LOCATION] JOHNALEE JOHNSTON / BARBARA SCOFIDIO / GREG OATES IMEX America 2014 in Las Vegas was bigger and better than ever with over 10,000 attendees, including 2,900 hosted buyers, and a 13 percent jump in exhibitors. There was also signiﬁcant increases in event tech vendors and some amazing educational sessions. Some of the most interesting conversations at IMEX revolved around the concept of conventions and destinations expanding into knowledge-sharing hubs. Meeting design and event tech were also positioned as catalysts for bringing people together in new ways and across multiple platforms. "The world is experiencing a revolutionary period in terms of innovation, scientiﬁc discovery and knowledge creation, and that association meetings are growing in tandem as primary vectors for disseminating that knowledge," said Martin Sirk, CEO of International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), speaking speciﬁcally about the association market. "[And] more and more U.S., Canadian and Mexican destinations are developing intellectual capital strategies in which international associations are a key component." EXPO MILANO 2015 Italy is gearing up for Expo Milano 2015, a universal exposition with "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life" as its central theme. Over 140 countries are scheduled to share insights on culture, technology, innovation, traditions and creativity as they relate to food and sustainability, promoting wellness throughout the world. An entire "living city," is being built for the event, with spaces carved out for streets, restaurants, events and concerts. The exhibition area will function as a live stage from dusk to dawn, animated by thousands of performances, concerts, workshops and exhibitions. Thematic areas include biodiversity and future food exhibition spaces, a children's park and future food district. Overall, the expo will stretch across over 10 million sf. Milan's close proximity to Linate and Malpensa airports, high-speed rail line and metro access are expected to usher in an estimated 20 million visitors. In preparation for the event, the Italian government asked members of the United Nations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders in the global debate to get involved. For the ﬁrst time in the history of the Expo, 13 NGOs will play a fundamental role in the development of the project. Working together and playing to their individual strengths, they will be called upon to interpret and make a real contribution to the theme of Expo 2015 "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life." Expo Milano is scheduled to take place May through October in 2015. Italy is gearing up for Expo 2015, a universal exposition with "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life" as its central theme. Can New 36 | prevue magazine 36-43_IMEX.indd 36 10/31/14 3:04 PM CM-524

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue November/December 2014

Planner’s Pick: Perez Art Museum, Miami
Fresh Meets: The Evolution of Starwood
Bureau Buzz: Getting to Know Cincinnati
Good Business: Fighting Human Traffi cking
Sea Shores: Cruising Gets Real
The New Local
IMEX 2014
SPECIAL SECTION: ASIA/PACIFIC
SHERATON MACAO
TORCHBEARERS
ENGLAND
On Location: MGM Grand, Las Vegas
On Location: Destination: D.C.
On Location: Generations Riviera Maya

Prevue November/December 2014