Total exhibiting companies 3,500 - Total countries 157 - Total exhibition space (sqm) 17,500 - Total hosted buyers & trade visitors 8,944 - Total hosted buyers 3,887 from 68 countries - Total Trade visitors 5,057 from 81 countries. ++++++ Actually IMEX is committed to MICE sector innovation. When IMEX was launched in 2003, Chairman, Ray Bloom, set out to build not only a world-leading trade show but also a platform for engaging and stimulating debate that would inspire progressive changes throughout the global meetings industry. As a result, IMEX launched its New Vision Programme. That Programme has now expanded to encompass 16 separate initiatives for meetings industry professionals of all ages and levels of experience, and each provides a focal point for raising awareness, improving knowledge and understanding, as well as rewarding best practice and innovation. Each of unique IMEX Vision initiatives has been designed and developed to respond to a pressing educational or professional need and each is intended to bring industry associations and individuals together to share best practice, provide encouragement and inspiration and change the industry from the grassroots up. Last edition saw 8,828 attendees between hosted buyers and visitors; 3,866 hosted buyers from 88 countries (69% agencies - 18% corporate - 8% associations - 5% independent planners); 68,500 Prescheduled appointments (one-on-one, stand presentations and group appointments); 3,500 exhibiting companies from 160+ countries ( 46.8% from Europe); 206 journalists from 27 countries.