What I Learned from IMEX Las Vegas

Attending IMEX Las Vegas was more than just a networking opportunity — it was a moment of clarity for where Hotel Resort Discounts stands today and where we’re headed next.

IMEX brings together professionals from every corner of the travel and hospitality world, from global hotel chains and DMCs to boutique resorts, tourism boards, and media. For me, it was the first time seeing our platform represented alongside well-known brands and realizing that we truly belong in that space.

Real Conversations with Real Hotels

Over the three days at IMEX, I had meaningful conversations with hotel representatives from across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, including Porta Hotels from Guatemala and Marival Resorts from the Riviera Nayarit.

Many of them were interested in learning about our hotel advertising program, which offers 12 months of digital exposure on our platform in exchange for a five-night hosted stay. This approach stood out because it focuses on collaboration rather than commission, and it resonated strongly with hoteliers looking for new ways to reach the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Confirming Our Direction

What I appreciated most about IMEX was how it confirmed that our strategy is working. Hotels are not just looking for another listing site; they want partners who can bring measurable value through marketing, group travel, and real content creation.

Our model, which combines hotel advertising, CRM automation, and group travel experiences like our upcoming Foodie Weekends, aligns perfectly with what the industry is moving toward: authentic, data-driven partnerships that prioritize visibility and storytelling over traditional ads.

IMEX also reminded me that personal connections still matter. Speaking face-to-face with so many hotel representatives reinforced that genuine relationships are what open doors, not just outreach emails or digital proposals. It was also clear that boutique and independent hotels are eager for new ways to reach travelers beyond OTAs. They want partnerships that feel personal, creative, and measurable, and I’m proud that our platform delivers exactly that.

Another key realization came from seeing how much of the industry still relies on manual coordination. Many hotel marketing teams and DMCs are still managing group requests and collaborations through spreadsheets and email threads. That made me even more confident in our CRM system. The automation, structure, and reliability we’ve built are not just helpful; they’re ahead of where many others are today.

Looking Ahead

I left Las Vegas with more confidence than ever in what we’re building. The conversations at IMEX weren’t just about collaboration — they were about belonging.

We’re not just an online travel platform anymore; Hotel Resort Discounts has become a trusted partner for hotels looking to connect with real travelers through authentic digital marketing and well-organized group experiences.

If you attended IMEX and we spoke, feel free to reach out — I’d love to continue the conversation.
And for hotels interested in joining our 2026–2027 collaboration program, you can learn more here:
https://hotelresortdiscounts.com/hotel-digital-marketing/