What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.

From Oct. 13-15, Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) members at Missouri State University visited Las Vegas for IMEX America 2026.

ESD is an international hospitality honor society focused on leadership and professional development.

Learning from hospitality leaders

Two professors and four students traveled to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for the ESD Student Program.

“Attending the ESD Student Program enables students to extend their learning beyond the classroom by networking with industry professionals and connecting with students from other universities in a professional setting,” said Dr. Yoshimasa (Nancy) Kageyama, associate professor of hospitality leadership.

There, students learned about leadership, revenue management and event planning from professionals at Boyd Gaming, MGM Resorts and other companies.

They also attended the Future Leaders Forum and explored emerging trends at IMEX America, including how Las Vegas prepares for major events such as Formula 1.

IMEX America 2026, the largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry, attracted more than 18,000 attendees.

A behind-the-scenes tour of Palms Casino Resort gave students a look at luxury hospitality. They explored penthouse villas with amenities like a bowling alley, swimming pool and pool table.

For Anya Meyer, ESD president and a tourism management senior, the tour was a highlight.

“It definitely shows you where this industry can take you,” Meyer said.

Finding confidence and new career paths

IMEX America was more than a learning experience for the students. It was a chance to see how much they had grown.

When Meyer attended the conference in 2025, she felt overwhelmed by its size. This year, she returned with newfound confidence as ESD president.

“Becoming ESD president helped me find my footing as a young person entering the tourism industry,” Meyer said.

Along with building confidence, students discovered career paths they had not considered before.

Meyer met Rudy Garza, president and CEO of Brightspot Incentives and Events.

“He works in incentive travel and events, which is a field I had no idea I was interested in until he spoke on the panel; now I see it as a possible career option,” she said.

Kelsen Miener, a senior hospitality leadership major, also discovered new possibilities at the Future Leaders Forum.

“What stood out to me from the forum is the variety of work opportunities in the meetings and events industry, beyond just event planner positions,” he said.

Bringing knowledge back

Faculty also gained valuable insights during the trip.

Dr. Albert Barreda, professor of hospitality leadership, attended the Faculty Engagement Experience Program at IMEX America.

“One of the biggest takeaways was the opportunity to connect with leaders across the industry,” he said.

He explored emerging trends in artificial intelligence, automation, event technology and sustainability. He plans to share what he learned with students to help them explore career paths.

Barreda praised Missouri State students for how well they represented the university.

“I was most impressed by the students’ professionalism, engagement and willingness to network with industry professionals,” he said.

Investing in future hospitality leaders

For Kageyama, the trip reflected ESD’s mission to promote leadership, excellence and professional development.

Meyer encourages other hospitality students to take advantage of opportunities like IMEX America.

“These opportunities stand out on a resume,” she said. “I recommend being open to every possibility for growth that comes your way.”

Learn more about hospitality leadership