Event industry veteran Tahira Endean has been appointed Head of Programme for the IMEX Group.

Vancouver-based Endean’s new role signals a new era for IMEX. A three-year education strategy will capitalize on IMEX’s complimentary programming to meet the business event industry’s demand for knowledge and continuous development while embracing a growth mindset.

The IMEX education program was envisioned and developed in 2005 by Dale Hudson, Knowledge and Events Director. It has grown in size and quality over the last 15 years, adding substantial value to the attendee experience. Endean’s addition to the team will build on that legacy. She’ll work with both the IMEX Marcomms and Knowledge and Education teams to design learning programs that enrich the show’s value proposition and deliver measurable business benefits.

Endean explains: “We’re focused on designing learning with buyer requirements in mind first and foremost as we want them to have meetings that are enhanced by education at the show. Our combined aim is for attendees to leave each session with tangible takeaways that also support their meetings onsite. IMEX’s legacy of tailored education that meets the particular needs of agencies, associations and corporate event professionals has always been strong; we’re looking to build on that too.

“As a veteran of the MICE industry and self-confessed event nerd, I recognize IMEX as the professional home for our global industry. The opportunity to provide knowledge that helps us all develop and grow through turbulent times is important and to do it with a team as committed, passionate and talented as IMEX is really exciting.”

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, adds: “We’re delighted to welcome Tahira to our team. Her extensive industry experience, large network of contacts and fresh approach supports our aim to keep on innovating and provide powerful, purposeful and multi-faceted experiences for all attendees.”

Changes to education programming are already in place for IMEX America which opens with Smart Monday, October 10 in Las Vegas. IMEX has announced an education theme for the 11th edition of the show – “Pathways to Clarity.” Its learning tracks have been consolidated and redesigned. More details will be released in the coming week.

IMEX America 2022 takes place at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and opens with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on Monday, October 10, followed by the three-day trade show, October 11-13.

Endean, former Head of Events at SITE, is currently studying for a MSc in Creativity and Change Leadership. She lives with her family in Vancouver, enjoys cooking and immersing herself in nature.