Melissa Edwards, CMP, and Erika Ibaven worked as interns for MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC) in Las Vegas. They take us behind the scenes of this multifaceted event and the excitement of helping it all come together.

Melissa Edwards, CMP, is chief event organizer for MEvents Global LLC.

Like many events industry professionals in the time of COVID-19, my full-time position was eliminated in 2021 and my part-time event consultancy was temporarily halted. I decided to attend every free industry learning event possible and update my skills while working on earning certifications and looking for a job.

It was during the Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) event that was produced by Meetings Mean Business and MPI in April that I had a thought. During the program, I asked about volunteer opportunities at MPI WEC, which was taking place in June in Las Vegas. I mentioned that I had the time if they needed behind-the-scenes help and I was immediately put in touch with their events team led by the amazing Melinda Burdette, director of events, and Tanya Philyaw, event specialist.

The next week, I had a conversation with their events team on how much I appreciated MPI in 2020 when they gave all non-members free memberships for three months and how I took full advantage of their member resources and online education during that time and wanted to give back to MPI for what they did for me. I was an MPI member in the past; however, due to budget cuts, I had to let my membership lapse. Before having my position eliminated, I worked on my first hybrid event and combined four major conferences into a single virtual event and could not have done it without MPI’s generosity.

After the meeting with the team, I was excited to hear that I was accepted as a volunteer! I was added to the staff schedule and invited to attend the team travel meeting and the onsite pre-conference meeting. All of my meals would be covered; I would have to pay for my flight and my room. Thank goodness for airline miles and staff-rate hotel rooms!

Being onsite at a conference is why I love working in the events industry! Everything you worked on coming together and seeing the attendee experience firsthand. To be inside a conference venue again—especially the new CAESARS FORUM—was a big thrill. I always wondered what it would be like to be a meeting planner working for MPI. Do they have the same challenges as the rest of us pre-conference and onsite? Is it more amplified since their attendees are part of the meetings industry themselves? Do they feel the pressure of always having to showcase the most up-to-date event technology and ideas? Every event has its stresses; it is the way you handle those challenges that count, and MPI is a well-oiled machine in that department. It also doesn’t hurt that they have incredible partners and sponsors who are always great collaborators and together we could solve any issues that arose. All of us are at our best when we work together. I got to see the behind the scenes at how the association that is uniting our industry works and came away with so much more besides project management and work application ideas. I was proud to be a part of their onsite events team.

During the week, while doing my assigned logistical duties, I was able to experience the latest in attendee engagement, safety protocols, menu ideas/packaging, new venues and networking all while having a little fun. I also let my new “co-workers” know that whatever happens in the MPI staff office, only happens in the MPI staff office! 

I am and will always be grateful for the opportunity to volunteer at MPI WEC, especially getting to know the incredible MPI staff and partners. I may not have walked away with a job, however, I did gain confidence, hope, knowledge and contacts that will #makemyfuture!

Erika Ibaven works at MGM Resorts International and is pursuing a degree in event planning and hospitality.

This spring, I had the incredible opportunity to work as an intern for MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC) at the new CAESARS FORUM in Las Vegas. My role was assisting behind the scenes of the general sessions. Preparing for the event, I was given the task of creating a mainstage speakers master list. In addition, I attended Zoom meetings where the team ran through the general session scripts. As an intern, I wanted to get involved in real projects and tasks, and being part of these meetings helped me to have a better perspective of the event.

The first day onsite I felt very welcomed and part of the team. I was included in the meetings, and I took notes all the time. My primary responsibility was to contact all the speakers in advance and then welcome them to the ballroom for rehearsals and for their presentations. As a production assistant, my main accomplishment was to work under pressure in an area where I had no experience. Stepping out of my comfort zone helped me to learn more than I expected.

I have learned the importance of adaptability. I was impressed to see the different companies working as a team to deliver a successful show. Teamwork was the key, and the positive energy was present all the time. Although I found it challenging to understand the technical concepts, I believe it was very valuable because I had the privilege to learn a little part of it from the experts. During the sessions I worked directly with the stage manager, and she taught me the importance of confidence and the ability to work under pressure—traits required for this work.

Working in such a professional environment taught me that this industry has so many educational opportunities.

Overall, I would say my WEC internship was very rewarding. It allowed me to explore areas of interest in production that I didn’t know I would like to learn in the future, and I gained skills for my resume. This internship has given me a great insight into real production dynamics—I got hands-on experience every day and never got bored. I gained experience in timing, organization and multitasking. Working in such a professional environment taught me that this industry has so many educational opportunities.

On the other side, the opportunity to meet executives and personalities from the industry was priceless. I also enjoyed attending the receptions and making new connections. During the receptions I networked with professionals with different work experience, and it was gratifying to receive career advice from them. In addition, one of the most memorable events I participated in was the Allegiant Stadium celebration, which featured amazing views of the Las Vegas Strip and excellent hospitality.

It was a pleasure and a big responsibility to be part of the MPI production team. I’m excited to practice what I learned in future projects! I’m grateful to my mentor, Jessie States, for this unique opportunity. Thank you to Annette Gregg for her guidance in this fabulous Vegas experience!