So, is anyone else still riding a wave of euphoria from the World Education Congress (WEC) in Las Vegas?
Wow! Honestly, I’m still in awe of the experience of being with 1,238 meeting professionals who attended the 25th edition of WEC in person.
You might be thinking I need to say positive things because, well, yes, my employment at MPI does pay the bills. But let me say this: WEC was profoundly one of the best education and networking events I’ve attended. Period.
Was it timing? That certainly was a factor. Our industry needed a different type of shot in the arm to help restart meetings and events, and WEC delivered—not only to those who showed up at CAESARS FORUM, but to the 574 meeting professionals who participated via the WEC Digital Experience.
WEC reinforced the importance of face-to-face meetings, that vital element that has been missing for so many of us since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives, careers and business.
WEC reinforced the importance of face-to-face meetings, that vital element that has been missing for so many of us since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our lives, careers and business.
Over the course of three days, meeting professionals smiled without a mask, hugged, walked arm-in-arm and celebrated the return of the largest in-person meeting industry event this year.
The ability to gather in-person in Las Vegas, accelerated by the state and Clark County allowing businesses to operate at full capacity and with no COVID-19 restrictions, fueled a frenzy of activity, energy and enthusiasm, witnessed by many attendees confident enough to not wear masks and not social distance while being respectful for those who preferred space or who chose to wear a mask.
Damn long overdue. So was the focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. To hear the impassioned voices during the conference was a reassurance and reaffirmation that DEI is starting to have a meaningful impact.
Whether it was during general session panel discussions with the likes of Julie Coker and Jason Dunn Sr., the powerful presentation from keynote Michael C. Bush, the inspiring words from Melvin Tennant or the tears, pain points and calls to action that came out when MPI’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee met with the Joint Board Development Committee, diversity’s growing pains and proud moments were yet another reason why WEC made a difference.
There were many other reasons why WEC was a success. Hear it in the voices of industry leaders and voices throughout our coverage this month, including the RISE Awards recipients, who we honor in this issue.
“This was clearly a game changer…WEC will be remembered as the first major industry event which showed the way back!” said Darren K. Green of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
It’s great to be back. Now, let’s keep it going.
Until next time…
Rich Luna
Editor in Chief
rluna@mpiweb.org
On behalf of Team MPI, thank you Steve O’Malley, Stephen Revetria and Bonnie Carlson for honoring our staff with the 2020 Joint Chairs Award. It’s an honor to serve the MPI membership.
