SITE brings research and 20 years of Young Leaders to IMEX America 2026
Programme includes the 2026 Incentive Travel Index launch and SITE NITE North America, where more than 1,500 incentive travel professionals are expected to attend.
SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) will bring its latest research, professional development and global community together at IMEX America 2026, with activity in Las Vegas from 11 to 15 October. Highlights include the first presentation of the 2026 Incentive Travel Index, a conference and reception marking 20 years of SITE Young Leaders, and SITE NITE North America, which will bring together more than 1,500 incentive travel professionals.
The 2026 Incentive Travel Index will be revealed on Monday, 12 October during a joint session from SITE and the Incentive Research Foundation. The session will give delegates a first look at the latest data, trends and insights shaping incentive travel, with findings relevant to buyers, suppliers and agencies across the sector.
Research will remain central to SITE’s presence throughout the week. SITE’s press conference on Tuesday, 13 October will focus primarily on the new Incentive Travel Index, alongside updates from its wider research portfolio and the association. On Wednesday, new research into how Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z respond to incentive travel and reward strategies will be explored during an education session on shifting generational preferences in incentive design.
The week will also celebrate 20 years of SITE Young Leaders, the association’s programme to promote professional development and career advancement for our members under 35. The milestone begins with the SITE Young Leaders Conference on Sunday, 11 October, bringing emerging incentive travel professionals together for a full day of learning, discussion and relationship building. Members and industry friends will then gather at SITE’s stand on Tuesday afternoon to recognise the anniversary and the contribution Young Leaders continue to make across the global SITE community.
“IMEX America is one of the few occasions each year when so many parts of our global community are together in one place,” said Annette Gregg, MBA, CMM, CEO of SITE and SITE Foundation. “The 2026 Incentive Travel Index will give professionals evidence to inform the decisions they are making, while the 20th anniversary of SITE Young Leaders gives us the chance to recognise a community that is central to SITE’s present as well as its future. We look forward to a busy week of learning, conversations and celebration in Las Vegas.”
SITE activity during IMEX America week includes:
- SITE Young Leaders Conference | Sunday, 11 October, 9.30am to 5.00pm | The INDUSTRIAL. A full-day conference for emerging incentive travel professionals, offering opportunities to exchange ideas, build international connections and consider the future of the sector.
- Straight Talk: Inside the Direct Selling Incentive | Monday, 12 October, 10.45am to 11.45am | South Pacific I. Based on SITE research supported by Singapore Tourism Board, this buyer-led panel, moderated by Padraic Gilligan, will explore what shapes direct selling incentive programmes, destination selection and changing qualifier expectations.
- The Big Reveal: Inside the Incentive Travel Index 2026 | Monday, 12 October, 12.00pm to 1.00pm | South Pacific J, North Convention Center. SITE and the Incentive Research Foundation will present the first look at the 2026 Incentive Travel Index and the trends influencing incentive travel.
- Global MICE Collaborative Certificate | Monday, 12 October, 12.30pm to 4.30pm | South Pacific A, North Convention Center. Experts from IAEE, MPI and SITE will lead a half-day certificate course covering the MICE sector and the skills required to deliver conferences, exhibitions and incentive events.
- SITE NITE North America | Monday, 12 October, 8.00pm to 11.00pm | Zouk Nightclub, Resorts World. More than 1,500 incentive travel professionals are expected for one of IMEX America’s largest networking events. The 2026 event will have a Yacht Rock theme.
- SITE at IMEX America | 13 to 15 October | Stand E1940. The SITE team will be available throughout the show to discuss membership, education and certifications, research, future events, hosted buyer opportunities and activity across its global community.
- SITE press conference | Tuesday, 13 October, 11.00am to 11.30am | Press Center. SITE will share findings from the 2026 Incentive Travel Index alongside further research, news and association updates.
- Members and friends reception | Tuesday, 13 October, 3.00pm to 4.00pm | Stand E1940. SITE will welcome members, colleagues and friends to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the SITE Young Leaders community.
- Chapter Leaders Meeting | Wednesday, 14 October, 7.30am to 9.30am | South Pacific C, North Convention Center. SITE chapter leaders attending IMEX America will meet with one another and the wider SITE community.
- Shifting generational preferences in incentive design | Wednesday, 14 October, 10.10am to 10.50am | Inspiration Hub, Insights Theater, B4100. The session will explore how incentive travel and reward preferences vary across today’s multigenerational workforce.
- Cheers to the 2027 SITE Global Conference host | Wednesday, 14 October, 2.30pm to 3.00pm | Destination Vancouver stand D3031. SITE will join Destination Vancouver for a toast to the 2027 SITE Global Conference experience.
“IMEX America is a busy week, so every SITE activity has been designed to make that time worthwhile for our members and the wider industry,” concludes Hasan Dinc, President of the SITE International Board of Directors. “From new research and practical education to the conversations taking place at SITE NITE and on our stand, we want people to leave Las Vegas with ideas and relationships that support their work.”
