In advance of MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC) in St. Louis, June 18-20, we chatted with Jennifer Poindexter, director of Meet St. Louis at Explore St. Louis, to learn more about her team’s involvement with the event and why WEC is so important to such as a historic city.

Why is hosting an event like WEC with a meeting planner audience important for St. Louis?

Hosting WEC is an incredible opportunity to showcase St. Louis as a premier meetings and events destination. Meeting planners are the decision-makers shaping where conferences, conventions and corporate gatherings take place, and we want them to experience firsthand how seamless and rewarding it is to plan events here. St. Louis offers a diverse mix of venues, a vibrant hospitality industry and a rich cultural scene—all of which make it an easy choice for events of any scale.

Additionally, the MPI St. Louis Area Chapter is one of the oldest and most respected in the industry. We have a legacy of leadership, innovation and hospitality that sets us apart. The support of our MPI chapter is instrumental in making this event a success, and WEC25 allows us to celebrate our chapter’s impact on the industry, both locally and globally.

How are you planning to showcase the strengths of St. Louis to WEC participants?

When you represent a destination as dynamic as St. Louis, it’s hard to choose just a few highlights to share. We’ve crafted a mix of immersive experiences—some big, some small—that will showcase what makes our city truly special.

With MPI’s support, we’ve incorporated surprise moments throughout the event that will leave a lasting impression. From our world-class venues to our legendary live music scene, innovative culinary experiences and historic landmarks, we’re ensuring that every touchpoint reflects the energy and vibrancy of St. Louis.

Follow-up to the previous question: Tell us about your process for determining which aspects of the city to highlight.

We took a collaborative approach, engaging our entire hospitality community in the planning process. Our goal was to integrate authentic St. Louis experiences into every WEC activation—whether that’s through food, entertainment, architecture or storytelling.

We’re also using this platform to highlight our city’s latest developments, from fresh venues to transformative projects reshaping our downtown core. WEC attendees will experience a mix of history, innovation and local culture, ensuring they walk away with a deep appreciation for what St. Louis has to offer as a meetings and events destination.

Tell us something about working on an event like WEC that inspires you or that you particularly enjoy.

Our WEC host committee co-chair, Steve O’Malley, often says that St. Louis is the heart of hospitality for the world—and that sentiment truly resonates with me. Hosting an event of this caliber, especially for our industry peers, is an opportunity to showcase the passion and expertise that drive meetings and conventions in our city. 

Personally, I find great inspiration in the collaboration that makes events like WEC possible. Seeing our community come together—from hotel partners and event professionals to local businesses—to create something extraordinary is incredibly rewarding. This event isn’t just about showcasing St. Louis; it’s about demonstrating what’s possible when an entire city rallies around a shared vision. #LetsRally

Can you share an example of creative problem-solving that you employed in the WEC planning process?

Flexibility and collaboration have been key throughout the planning process. As with any major event, we’ve encountered a few unexpected challenges, from logistical adjustments to shifting timelines. However, our team has approached each hurdle with a solutions-first mindset, working closely with MPI and our local partners to pivot when necessary. One of our guiding principles has been adaptability—knowing when to refine, when to rethink, and when to completely reimagine an idea. The result is an event that truly reflects the spirit of partnership and innovation that defines St. Louis.