"During discussions with leading industry colleagues in the United States it became apparent that creating such a Politicians Forum during IMEX America would be beneficial and well supported. We will work closely with the key industry trade associations to create an American Politicians Forum in Las Vegas in October 2011. Our seven years experience with the Forum in Frankfurt can be used to great effect here - adding extra weight and voice to US cross-party lobbying efforts and the momentum behind such campaigns as Meetings Mean Business," stated Bloom.

The IMEX America Forum will deliver similar benefits to the Forum in Frankfurt. This Forum encourages destinations, convention centres, associations and others to nominate their local or national elected officials for a free invitation to a dedicated one-day event during the trade show. The aim is to improve officials' understanding of the economic strength and importance of the meetings and events industry and to highlight the long-term benefits it can provide to their communities. The Forum also provides an invaluable opportunity for politicians and industry leaders to dialogue and network.

IMEX America - America's new worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events - is set to deliver the largest ever hosted buyer program at a US tradeshow when it launches at the Sands Expo, Las Vegas, 11 - 13 October 2011. The show benefits from a strategic partnership with MPI, Meeting Professionals International, as well as the support of the major industry trade associations including Site, ICCA, ASAE, AIPC, ECM and JMIC.

IMEX America is a part of the IMEX Group of exhibitions, which also runs the award-winning international trade show, IMEX - the worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events - at Messe Frankfurt, Germany (May 25 -27 2010).