On the morning of the second day of IMEX America 2025, long before the exhibition halls opened their doors, a wave of enthusiastic participants gathered for the IMEX Run along the famed Las Vegas Strip. Among the crowd was a standout figure from Poland: Tomasz Sobania, whose presence brought added resonance and inspiration to the event’s spirit of community, movement and purpose.
IMEX Run: What it Is and Why It Matters
Held each second morning of the show, the IMEX Run in Las Vegas is a 5 km fun run (or walk) designed to energise the global meetings community before the day’s formal programming begins. It’s more than just a fitness activity, it serves as a living metaphor for what the MICE industry is built on: momentum, camaraderie, well-being and human connection.
By positioning the run early on Day Two, IMEX underscores the idea that vitality precedes interaction, that shared effort and movement help loosen conversational barriers, foster spontaneous connections and signal openness among attendees.
From Poland’s perspective, participation in IMEX Run is not simply a gesture; it’s a statement: that we view the MICE world as a human community, not just a marketplace.
Tomasz Sobania at IMEX Run 2025: a story of inspiration
When Tomasz Sobania joined the IMEX Run, his presence was more than athletic. He carried with him the story of endurance, vision, and a deeply personal mission to inspire.
Sobania is no ordinary runner. His recent feat — traversing the entire United States in 139 days, running 125 marathons over more than 5,250 km — has drawn considerable media attention and earned him the title “Polish Forrest Gump.”
He set off from New York’s Central Park on 15 September 2024, passing through Washington D.C., Chicago, following the historic Route 66, and concluding in San Diego. His motivation was not merely athletic. Along the way, his run supported charitable initiatives related to accessibility and inclusion, carrying the message that “you can do more than you think.” Discover more runacrossusa.org
To many in the MICE industry, seeing Sobania at IMEX Run meant more than a familiar face — it was an embodiment of perseverance, courage and the power of personal mission.
His involvement gave the event a narrative anchor: a Polish story on the global stage, tying together sport, philanthropy, and professional gathering. It offered Poland a unique touchpoint of emotional resonance and visibility among the international audience at IMEX.
Looking ahead
Tomasz Sobania continues to write his story of extreme running and social impact. His next project is an audacious “50 marathons in 50 U.S. states” initiative, beginning in May 2026, set to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
For meeting planners, IMEX Run remains a small but significant ritual — a prelude that energises, connects and humanises what follows in the exhibit halls. Poland’s choice to support and participate in it — and to spotlight a figure like Sobania — is more than symbolic. It reflects a deeper strategic intent: to position Poland not just as a venue, but as a living, breathing MICE community with stories, values and ambition.
IMEX America 2025: the broader context
IMEX America 2025 recorded unprecedented attendance: over 17,000 participants, making it the largest edition ever for IMEX in North America. More than 3,700 exhibitors showcased their offerings across the expanded show floor — a 5 % increase compared to 2024.
Report by JM | Photos & video: Calm Day
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