IMEX Unfiltered: Stories, Steps and Surprises from the Show Floor

In this special Smart Start Radio: Coffee Chat, recorded live at IMEX 2025 in Las Vegas, host Eming Piansay explores the energy and insights of the industry’s biggest event.

Eming’s first guest is Aviva Kohen from Tourism Calgary, who shares what it’s like to experience IMEX for the first time, why Calgary’s food scene and pancake tradition embody its welcoming spirit and how storytelling shapes destination marketing.

Later, Eming reconnects with Malik Anderson and David Lytle from the Smart Meetings team to reflect on their IMEX experiences, from the whirlwind of meetings and media interviews to the Future Leaders Forum’s Gen Z take on the industry’s future. Together, they unpack lessons learned, favorite discoveries and how the Smart Meetings team plans to tackle IMEX next year.

A lively, real-world look at what happens when creativity, connection and free cookies collide at IMEX.

Chapters

• 0:00 Smart Start Radio Livel From IMEX!
• 1:04 Smart Start Radio Interviews Aviva Kohen of VIsit Calgary
• 21:11 Smart Meetings Editors, Eming Piansay, Malik Anderson and David Lytle discuss IMEX 2025 takeaways!

Transcript

Eming Piansay
How’s it going? Welcome to Smart Start Radio! I’m your host, straight off the lift, straight off the plane, and straight to Mandalay Bay in Vegas for IMEX 2025. I’m so excited to be here. Our whole team’s here, and we’re ready to share the trends, ideas, and emerging conversations shaping meetings and events. Stay tuned for a fun one.

Part 1 – Coffee Chat with Aviva Kohen of Tourism Calgary

EP
So, this is my very first IMEX—and my first guest of the show! I almost didn’t think it was going to happen; my schedule got wild. But I’m thrilled to welcome Aviva Kohen from Tourism Calgary, who I first met on a fam trip last year. Aviva, you’re just the kindest, most open person, and I’m so happy you found me in the press area the other day. It felt like a sign—you had to be my first IMEX guest!

Aviva Kohen
I love that! It’s both our first times here, right? I was told to prepare myself, but I don’t think I was ready for it. I didn’t expect it to be so large or so detailed—every booth so thoughtfully designed. I’ve been enjoying getting my steps in though—16,000 the first day!

EP
Same here. I knew I’d walk a lot, but wow. People weren’t kidding when they said, “You’ll walk at IMEX.” Before you came, did what you heard match what you actually experienced?

AK
It did, but in the best way. I’m here mostly from a media and storytelling perspective, and everyone’s been so open—sharing what they’re doing and how they’re positioning their destinations. It’s helping me learn how to tell Calgary’s story in ways that connect with the MICE market. I’ve had such great conversations, both with buyers and other destinations. Even though most of my work is leisure, this has been an amazing education.

EP
I love that. But real talk—I hit a point where my legs were done, and I had to ground myself in a corner for 10 minutes. I told my team, “My social battery is at negative five. I’m the oldest iPhone known to man.”

AK (laughs)
That’s exactly it.

EP
So, as a first-timer, what’s one thing you’ve learned that you’d do differently next time?

AK
I think I’d schedule more dedicated appointments. This year, I left things flexible so I could wander and take it all in, which was great. But next time, I’d love a balance—some scheduled deep-dive conversations and still a little room to explore.

EP
That’s smart. I had meetings overlap like crazy—I ran from a happy hour to two other things at once. Total chaos, but we made it work. You mentioned you were kind of an “unofficial spy” for Tourism Calgary—what did that mean?

AK
Because I had flexibility, I could walk the floor and gather ideas—everything from booth design and gifting to staff uniforms. I took tons of notes and photos to share with our team back home. It’s not officially part of my role, but it helps us plan for next year.

EP
That’s genius. And for next year, I’m demanding you bring pancakes.

AK (laughs)
That’s actually perfect, because our pancake breakfasts are a century-old Calgary tradition! It started at the Calgary Stampede more than 100 years ago when a chuck-wagon driver named Jack Morton flipped flapjacks downtown to draw crowds. Now, during Stampede, you can eat free pancakes for 10 days—250,000 of them served all over the city!

EP
That’s amazing. I love that it’s such a community thing. It honestly feels similar to IMEX—everyone coming together from all walks of life for connection and celebration.

AK
Exactly. That sense of togetherness runs deep, both at IMEX and in Calgary. Even though my feet are killing me, I’m energized. There’s something about being surrounded by people who love this industry—it charges you up.

EP
Yes! Even when you’re exhausted, you leave inspired. I’m curious—how does this experience change how you’ll talk about Calgary moving forward?

AK
Listening to how our partners describe the city gave me new perspective. I’m learning from the language they use—the stories that resonate. Calgary is known for its friendliness and safety, and we really want planners, especially in the U.S., to feel that warmth. Beyond that, there’s the proximity to Banff National Park—just 75 minutes away—and our incredible culinary scene. People are always surprised by how good the food is.

EP
Speaking of, I still think about that dinner with the amazing view. Major Tom, right?

AK
Yes—Major Tom! Fortieth floor, mid-century-modern vibe, fantastic food. It’s one of Calgary’s hardest-to-book restaurants and perfect for business dinners because it’s just a few blocks from the TELUS Convention Centre.

EP
Unforgettable. Before we wrap up, what’s new or exciting in Calgary right now?

AK
So much! Calgary is the fastest-growing city in Canada. Over the next few years we’re opening several major projects: the Glenbow Museum (2026, free admission forever), the new Arts and Entertainment Centre on Stampede Park, the Workland Centre for Arts and Culture, and new hotels like the JW and W Marriott. These investments show how deeply our city values arts, culture, and connection—alongside our food and hospitality.

EP
That’s incredible. Aviva, thank you for being my very first on-the-road guest for Smart Start Radio. It’s been such a joy talking with you again.

AK
Thank you, Eming. It’s been so much fun. And I love that you’re such a Calgary advocate!

Part 2 – Team Debrief with Malik Anderson and David Lytle

EP
Hey everyone, welcome back to Smart Start Radio! I’ve brought back the band—Malik Anderson and David Lytle—for a little IMEX 2025 recap. It was the first time we were all there together, which was wild.

David Lytle
It really was. I think I saw you twice the entire week.

Malik Anderson
Same. I had so many appointments that my only downtime was a 20-minute window to charge my phone.

EP
I totally get that. I had to sit in a corner just to reset—so much noise, so many people. My brain was like, “Reboot now!” But I’m curious—how was IMEX for you both?

MA
This was my fourth IMEX, and it still impresses me every year. You run into people you usually just email, see familiar faces, and catch destination updates. This year I focused on press conferences—Puerto Rico, Cincinnati—lots of great news.

DL
It was my first IMEX, so I didn’t know what to expect. They said 15,000 attendees, but it ended up being 17,000—the biggest ever. I wish I’d had more time! Still, I got great interviews and made strong connections. I keep dreaming I’ve lost someone’s business card though.

EP
That’s a universal IMEX fear.

DL
Totally. The follow-ups have been great though—new sources, story ideas, and even 2026 collaboration talks.

EP
You also attended the Future Leaders Forum, right? What was that like?

DL
It’s an all-day, invitation-only event for college students worldwide who are about to enter the workforce. The founder of IMEX welcomed them, and Christy Renee moderated. There were sessions with industry leaders—hotel GMs, travel agents, content creators—all mentoring the students. The best question I heard was: How can I bridge the gap between my generation and older colleagues while still being taken seriously? A lot of talk about imposter syndrome too—which, let’s be honest, everyone feels.

EP
That’s such an important conversation. Do you think we could get them on our show?

DL
Already in the works. I’m meeting with Hannah Lee from IMEX next week to talk about getting some students and speakers on Smart Start Radio.

EP
Perfect. Malik, anything you wish you’d had time for this year?

MA
A few more booth visits. I saw later on LinkedIn that friends I didn’t even know were there had booths. It’s just so big that it’s hard to see everyone.

DL
Same. I didn’t get to meet with the Japan Tourism Board, which was on my list. But I did get plenty of free chocolate-chip cookies from the press room.

EP
They went fast! I tried to grab four and they were gone.

DL
Exactly. I had confusion one morning, sprinted to my first meeting five minutes before start time, wiped the sweat off my brow, and somehow nailed it.

EP
The magic of IMEX! What stood out most for you two about seeing the editorial and sales teams working side by side?

DL
It gave me new appreciation for how both sides operate—how sales conversations can inform our editorial direction, and vice versa. Next year, I think we’ll collaborate even more intentionally.

MA
Yeah, every year you refine how to tackle IMEX. It’s a lot of ground to cover—literally and figuratively.

EP
Agreed. The IMEX map was my lifeline. I felt like I was in a video game—“Find your next quest!”

DL
Right? It even had geography logic—continents grouped together. If I kept the California sign in sight, I knew where I was.

EP
I love that. Honestly, it was so hard to see everyone—even our own team. I never ran into Kate, and I think JT hugged 25 people in 30 minutes. She’s her own network.

DL
True. Two women actually wandered over during our Toast to Excellence because they heard the laughter and wanted to see what was happening. We handed them champagne, and they ended up connecting with our sales team—total serendipity.

EP
That’s what makes IMEX so fun—those random connections. I even had people seek me out, which was a first. As an editor, you’re usually behind the scenes, but it felt good to be recognized in the space.

DL
Exactly. Our jobs can be invisible sometimes, so it’s nice to feel seen and connected to the bigger industry conversation.

EP
Couldn’t agree more. Any final takeaways before we wrap up?

MA
Looking forward to next year and doing it even better.

DL
Same. More intention, more planning—and maybe more cookies.

EP
Deal. Thanks both of you for joining me for this wrap-up chat. We’ll see everyone at IMEX 2026 in Las Vegas.

Outro

EP
You’ve been listening to Smart Start Radio, a Smart Meetings production. Interested in being our next guest? Reach out at editor@smartmeetings.com
. See you next time!