During a press conference yesterday, MPI leadership shared important facts about WEC, EMEC and the association’s activity over the past 12 months, along with future global strategies, innovative programs, partnerships and the MPI Foundation.

WEC23

In a time of industry resurgence, MPI chose a destination that has shown exciting signs of growth. The MPI community in Mexico has grown 60% since 2019, while the Latin America region has welcomed two new chapters (Caribe Mexicano and Colombia) as well as two new clubs (Argentina and Ecuador).

This year’s WEC is the first edition of the event to be held in Mexico, the first large-scale industry event to be held at an all-inclusive Mexican resort and the first WEC to feature enhanced programming, boasting five general sessions and four keynotes.

WEC23 drew nearly 1,500 meeting and event professionals—almost 1,400 attending live, in-person and approximately 150 attending virtually. The Hosted Buyer Program, with more than 120 planner participants and 140 suppliers, generated an estimated 2,300 one-on-one business appointments.

Through multiple onsite and online activations—including a golf tournament at the Hard Rock Golf Club, the sold-out President’s Dinner, auctions and Rendezvous—the MPI Foundation has raised more than $100,000 during WEC23.

Future editions of WEC will continue the event’s legacy of providing industry-leading education and unparalleled networking opportunities, taking place in the unique and diverse destinations of Louisville, Ky. (WEC 2024), St. Louis (WEC 2025) and San Antonio (WEC 2026).

Additional press conference highlights

MPI strategy and business updates

The association remains financially stable and set for long-term sustainability for future generations of meeting and event professionals.

Membership growth

Following the early pandemic hit on membership numbers that affected most professional associations, MPI supplier members have been surging for the past 18 months.

Volunteer leadership

The incoming 2023 MPI International Board of Directors Chair will be Michelle Allgauer, CAE, CMM, CMP Fellow, senior vice president, education and engagement at Financial Services Institute. Susie Townsend, chief destination experience officer for Visit Indy will be the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees Chair-Elect.

Chapter governance

In July, there will be a change to governance and chapter requirements, with further changes, namely structural adjustments, are expected in early 2024.

European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC)

Following EMEC in Brighton, U.K., this past March (which saw 315 attendees), MPI will be taking the show back to mainland Europe in 2024 with EMEC Luxembourg (stay tuned for details!).

IMEX America

In October, MPI will deliver a full day of education during the Monday preceding IMEX America. While the format and sessions are currently in development, this cornerstone of the IMEX-MPI strategic partnership includes a multitude of concurrent education sessions. Additionally, MPI will again procure and conduct daily keynote sessions at the event, which is taking place for the third year in a row at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

MPI Academy

Thus far in 2023, there have been more than 2,750 unique user logins to the MPI Academy’s learning management system, including 800 new users. Joining existing partnerships in Mexico, South Africa and Korea, the MPI Academy is launching its Meeting Essentials certificate delivery program in Colombia in Q3 2023. This critical initiative helps to spread the ability for industry professionals to gain insights into the best possible experiences, while further legitimizing and providing professionalism locally.

Industry partnerships

As MPI continues to grow its presence globally, it seeks to further align itself with industry peer associations through formal alliances. This includes formal partnerships with DI, IACC, IAEE, ICHRIE, HSMAI, NCBMP, SITE, SportsETA and, of course, its strategic partnership with IMEX, many of whom actively participated in WEC23.

MPI Foundation

The MPI Foundation has made a huge impact on the meeting and event industry community. In 2022, over $110,000 was distributed. In 2023, the MPI Foundation is projected to distribute 55% more funds to the global community. More than 50 scholarships were created to assist MPI members to attend WEC23 thanks to donors Wyndham Resorts, Simpleview, Visit Dallas and Encore.