It’s a new year, and as you set new career goals for yourself, keep MPI’s educational program offerings in mind. Last year was full of major strides and huge accomplishments for MPI education. New partnerships were formed and memorable learning experiences were created. We experimented with new ways to deliver our content and we provided engaging education around the globe. 

Last year, in partnership with a cross section of members from our community, we conducted market research on our professional development products and offerings. Because we value your expertise and feedback, we took the time to listen to your thoughts and recommendations. Our goal was to not only uncover what’s important to the MPI community, but to discover what’s important to the meeting and event industry. The data we received informed your specific needs and identified the potential for new learning programs. We also used this as an opportunity to re-evaluate existing programs and their ongoing market viability.  

The biggest discoveries led to some significant impacts to our learning strategy and were directly related to the topics of interest and the methods of content delivery. From those findings, two new certificate programs will launch this year, a few courses were retired and several more are in development. We also saw an increased demand for more virtual, or live online, deliveries of our courses. We were keen to respond to that request because we realize that as a working professional, you have competing priorities that sometimes prevent you from putting your professional development first. We understand the growing need for you to consume content in a way that does not require you to travel or be out the office for extended periods of time to attend face-to-face education. So, with the help of technology, we will continue to make it easier for you to consume our content.

Based on all the feedback received and data gathered last year, we recently published the 2019 MPI Academy calendar. It includes an array of face-to-face and live online certificate programs that appeal to your interests and meet your educational needs. We’re adding new webinar topics to our lineup every day and we will be delivering education throughout the year as part of our industry partner events. And if earning a designation or master’s degree is on your list for professional development or part of your performance goals to accomplish this year, our executive education offerings have much to offer you. 

We have partnered with top-notch universities such as the University of Virginia (UVA) Darden School of Business; the San Diego State University (SDSU) L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management; the Indiana University (IU) Kelley School of Business and the Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management; and the New York University (NYU) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality—all to provide you with meaningful and relevant education.

We look forward to continuing to provide you with innovative and cutting-edge education.

To learn more about the MPI Academy, visit academy.mpiweb.org.