MPI welcomes you to the 2019 World Education Congress in Toronto, Ontario. To help you prepare, we have put together this guide, so you are ready for a successful event. In addition to this document, the WEC Website and the mobile app is where you will find all the details you need for everything WEC. Under the navigation bars of either tool, you’ll find information about Events, Education and much more! Download the WEC 2019 app today.           

GENERAL INFORMATION

Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC)

South Building

255 Front St. W

Toronto, ON

M5V 2W6 Canada

Time Zone

Toronto, Ontario’s time zone is Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Temperature

In June, Toronto typically has mild weather with highs of 76°F and lows of 56°F. However, weather in Toronto does vary, so please be prepared for a variety of weather elements.

What to Pack

The opening celebration, Saturday, June 15, will be at Echo Beach at Ontario Place. Celebrate Canada on Toronto’s iconic Echo Beach with big stages, big sounds and big fun all around. Featuring a lakeside view and interactive experiences, including an assortment of tastes from across the country, delight in Echo Beach’s cheerful summer vibes of the great Canadian outdoors. Casual summer attire, and a light jacket/sweater for evening outdoor events, is recommended.

The dress for other general and concurrent events is business casual. As indoor environments tend to be cool, dress in layers or bring a sweater, suit jacket or shawl and wear comfortable shoes. President’s Dinner and Rendezvous attendees should pack cocktail attire and dancing shoes. For outdoor activities, don’t forget to pack items such as, bathing suits, sunglasses, sunblock or tanning lotion and jogging/walking shoes.

The closing night celebration, Tuesday, June 18, will be at Rebel Toronto. Rebel Toronto will be an indoor/outdoor venue with a fun, casual atmosphere. This will be a time to enjoy the end of a fun-filled and educational event. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

Hotel Check-In

Hotel check-in times vary. Please refer to your hotel confirmation for specific information for your hotel.

TRANSPORTATION

Entry into Canada

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) requires everyone seeking admission into Canada to properly declare themselves to CBSA by providing accurate identification, such as a current passport. If you are arriving on a U.S. or international flight, you will need to confirm your identity with CBSA and declare any goods that you are bringing into the country. Persons who have been convicted of any criminal offenses may be inadmissible to Canada. For more information, please visit: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility.html.

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA. For more information, please visit: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html.

Traveling with Cannabis in Canada

Even though cannabis (marijuana) is legal and regulated in Canada, it remains illegal to take cannabis across Canada’s national borders, whether you are entering or leaving Canada. For more information, please see cannabis (marijuana) legalization.

Airport Ground Transportation to/from Toronto

Union Pearson Express (UP Express) is delighted to provide MPI delegates complimentary travel on UP Express for WEC 2019 in Toronto.

UP Express connects Canada’s two busiest transportation hubs: Toronto Pearson International Airport and Union Station in downtown Toronto. UP trains depart every 15 minutes, and the journey takes just 25 minutes. The first train departs Pearson Station at 5:27 a.m. and the last train at 12:57 a.m. The first train departs UP Express Union Station at 4:55 a.m. and the last train at 1 a.m.

UP Pearson Station is located beside the blue Link Train at Terminal 1, which connects travelers to Terminal 3.

To take advantage of COMPLIMENTARY travel: Simply board the UP Express train and present your WEC registration confirmation email (printed or on your mobile phone) along with identification, to the Guest Services Representative conducting fare inspection. Proof of registration represents a round-trip to and from UP Express Union Station on the UP Express train during WEC 2019 in Toronto. VALID BETWEEN JUNE 14-21. 

Parking at Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC)

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre has 1,700 indoor parking spaces between the North and South Buildings. Please visit their website for location maps, rates and alternate parking options.

Carbon Offsets

Calculate the carbon footprint of your business travel and purchase offsets from the Carbon Fund (https://carbonfund.org/business-calculator).

Daily Conference Shuttle Schedule – Shuttle Service Provided by Cantrav

The Cantrav team will be present to assist with all transportation movements and will be wearing blue shirts with the Cantrav logo on them.

Sunday evening, June 16, guests will need to walk on their own to Vantage Venues – 150 King St. W (King & University)

**Accommodations can be made for special needs and ADA compliance by contacting April Twaddle at (469) 878-0605

TORONTO RAPTORS ARE IN THE NBA PLAYOFF FINALS

The Toronto Raptors are in the NBA playoffs finals! Please note this event could affect the areas surrounding the hotels, and the convention center for WEC. Should the playoffs go to a GAME 7, this game will take place in Toronto on Sunday, June 16, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Bremner St., between Lower Simcoe and York, will be closed beginning at 1 p.m. York Street will be closed from Lakeshore to Front St. There is also the possibility of additional lane closures in the area. Additionally, the bars and areas around the arena and downtown will be packed with fans, and the hotels typically set up viewing parties.

Scooter/Wheelchair Rentals

The MTCC does not have scooters available on-site but has recommended the following companies to our attendees. Please arrange for these accommodations directly with the company.

• MediChair Scooter Rental – (416) 222-5281
• Vital Mobility Scooter Rental – (416) 901-3509
• Shoppers Home Health Care – (416) 586-8709
• ALS Society of Ontario – (416) 497-8545

MTCC has a limited number of wheelchairs that are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please visit an MTCC Guest Service Agent on the 500 level of the South Building. The agents will be wearing red vests.

WI-FI and SOCIAL MEDIA

Wi-Fi at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre  

Wi-Fi will be provided in all areas of our conference at no charge. Please use the following to log-in.

• Network: WEC2019
• Password: toronto19

WEC Mobile App & Engagement

Downloading the App

To download the app, visit your device app store and search for “WEC 2019”.

iOS - The iOS app is compatible with iPhones, iPads and iPod touches that run on an operating system of 10.0 and above.

Android - The Android app is compatible with Android phones and tablets running on an operating system of 6.0 and above. Our apps can only be downloaded on Android devices that have access to the Google Play Store.

HTML 5 - Desktops, Blackberry and Windows phones should go to: https://events.crowdcompass.com/mjwwrj5zqw to access the application. HTML 5 is a web-based application and can be accessed on a web-browser (optimized in Chrome).

Logging In

To log in, you will need your email address that you used to register for WEC. 

Social Media

Follow WEC on Twitter and use #WEC19 when you tweet, post or share pictures. This is the fastest way to connect with other participants before, during and after the conference. Wherever you’re active, we’d love to hear from you and see how you’re enjoying the #WEC19 experience, so don’t hesitate to follow and tag us. Here’s the important stuff.

•       Conference hashtag: #WEC19

•       MPI on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MPI/

•       MPI on Twitter: @MPI and @TheMeetingPro

•      MPI on Instagram: @meetingprofessionalsintl  

ON SITE REGISTRATION

The registration desk is located in the MTCC South Building on the 600 level. All WEC attendees will need to pick-up the registration credentials first to ensure easy access throughout the conference.

Registration Hours

Friday, June 14 - 12:00-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 15 - 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 16 - 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Monday, June 17 - 7 a.m.-5:15 p.m.

Tuesday, June 18 - 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

WEC Badges

Your WEC name badge is required for admission to all events. No exceptions. There is a $25 charge for name badge replacement.

Allergen Card

If you indicated you have an allergy or dietary restriction, please pick up an allergen card when you check-in at registration. You will need to keep this card on you for all meal functions and place it on table prior to service.                     

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) AT WEC

MPI is committed to reducing the environmental impacts of WEC and giving back to our host community. We do this by continuously improving our policies and procedures and engaging with our internal and external stakeholders about corporate social responsibility. We have worked closely with the CSR Committee, and have programmed several unique activities and sessions that will give you the opportunity to experience different ways of incorporating CSR and sustainability within your own meetings and events.

Conference Supplies for ARTSJUNKTION
Donate your substrate and nylon signs, empty boxes polystyrene packing blocks and usable office supplies instead of shipping them home. ARTSJUNKTION is a depot for receiving and distributing donated materials and supplies to be used in educational and creative programs within the Toronto District School Board, such as classroom projects, artistic, in-school creations, curriculum projects, day-care and parenting centers and concurrent, after-school and seniors’ programs.

Women’s Accessories for Dress for Success
Help women in need as they prepare to find work and get back on their feet. Donate new and gently used business attire to Dress for Success. The local arm of the organization says that they need the following items:

• Clean and ready-to-wear, new and gently used, women’s professional attire of all sizes
• Professional suits and separates (less than 5 years old)
• Work-appropriate shoes and boots
• Jewelry, belts and scarves
• Handbags (briefcases, portfolios and work-appropriate handbags)
• New (unopened) toiletries, hygiene products, hosiery and undergarments

Reusables!
To reduce our environmental impact, WEC is striving to reduce waste and divert as much material as possible from landfills. Join us by packing a reusable water bottle and tote bag, and by using our waste sorting stations to separate recyclable and compostable materials.

Fight Human Trafficking with Timea’s Market and MPAHT
Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT) is collaborating with Timea’s Market to increase awareness of human trafficking happening in hotels and venues. With conferences, events and sporting events contributing to the rise of domestic human trafficking, visit our booth to learn about the myths and facts, and what YOU can do to make a positive difference.

Timea’s Market will also sell handmade and locally sourced bath, comfort and beauty products that are packaged and distributed by survivors with proceeds going to the fight against human trafficking.

MPI is committed to combating human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. The protection of children from sexual exploitation is a moral imperative and socially responsible business policies must reflect this principle. MPI stands firm in our resolve to create awareness of these crimes by utilizing our professional resources. We ask our business partners, attendees and members to do the same.

Paint Fest
Join the Foundation for Hospital Art and brighten the life of patients by painting panels of murals that will be displayed at local Indianapolis hospitals. Drop-in and spend as much, or as little, time as you would like painting fun and attractive pieces that will be donated to the local community.

Green Energy provided by Bullfrog Power
MPI has partnered with Metro Toronto Convention Centre and its partner Bullfrog Power to supply power from natural, renewable sources. Bullfrog Power will determine electricity usage for WEC based on its floor-plan and foot-print. Bullfrog’s generators will inject renewable electricity onto the regional grid to match our use.

Food Donations
MPI and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will donate leftover food to local food banks and nutrition programs, supporting impactful organizations such as Daily Bread Food Bank and Second Harvest. During the 2017/18 fiscal year, TMCC donated 96,709 kilograms of food, or approximately 322,363 fresh meals to the Greater Toronto Area community.

Use the recycling bins throughout the convention center to help MPI reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Partners can use the large bins for wood, metal, cardboard, plastic, paper and organics. During the event, clearly marked recycling bins will be located throughout the center for plastic, metal, glass, organics, paper and waste. Remember to keep food separate from other materials; if recyclable material is contaminated by food or drink, it will be sent to landfills.

Events that require additional fees

The MPI Foundation signature event, Rendezvous, does require additional fees. To register for these events, go through your personalized link on your payment receipt or speak to a registration assistant onsite. If you would like us to resend your confirmation, please contact our registration provider at WECreg@mpiweb.org. If you registered before you arrived for WEC, your activities will be reflected on the mobile app.

EDUCATION

Build Your Schedule

View the WEC19 Program at a Glance and get an overview of all the education and events at WEC. While you won’t be able to build your schedule on the website, you will be able to build it on the app prior to arrival.

MPI TOWN HALL

MPI will host at WEC19 Town Hall. To participate in the conversation on your mobile device, follow these steps:

1. Open your browser and navigate to mpi.cnf.io, on your mobile device.
2. Tap the ‘ASK’ button to submit a question.
3. Up-Vote questions you want answered by tapping the arrow next to the question.
4. Respond to polling questions when they appear on your screen.

Town hall is sponsored by conferences i/o

A Note about Education Sessions

Unless otherwise noted, there is no advance registration required to attend concurrent education sessions. Sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating begins 15 minutes prior to session start time. Pre-conference sessions require separate fee and registration. To attend these workshops, please return to the registration portal via the WEC Website and clicking on the “already registered” button, located in the top right corner of the homepage. If you would like us to resend your confirmation or to secure your confirmation number, please contact our registration provider at wecreg@mpiweb.org. On-site registration for the certificate programs will be at the Registration Desk.

Clock Hours

Many of the sessions at WEC 2019 will provide clock hours toward your CMP application or recertification. All sessions have been reviewed by the Convention Industry Council; eligible clock hour sessions will be notated on the website as approved by CIC.

Career Coaching

In the Brand You area, you can sign up for one-on-one appointments for career coaching, résumé building, advice on job-search documents, role progression and interview skills. Find the counseling you need to get the job or to advance your career, all while discussing your unique needs with an expert in the field. Click here to schedule your appointment. Spaces are limited.

Networking Events

• Opening Night Celebration: Saturday, June 15, 6-9 p.m. | Echo Beach at Ontario Place
• MPI Foundation Rendezvous (TICKETED EVENT): Monday, June 17, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Toronto Event Centre. Tickets can be purchased in advance, online, on-site at WEC Registration and/or at the door.
• LGBTQA Reception: Tuesday, June 18, 4:45-6:30 p.m.| Fairmont Royal York Ballroom
• Closing Night Celebration: Tuesday, June 18, 6:30-10 p.m.| Rebel Toronto - Please note that all attendees must be 21 and older due to open bar at Closing Night Celebration.

ACTIVITIES AT WEC

We are pleased to partner with The Idea Hunter to provide a number of activities and entertainment throughout WEC. Go to the Village Floor for Igloovision, giant interactive games, and a ball pit! Learn to make crepe flowers, show your life’s journey on our What Made Me Wall and get a selfie with our Social Roamer. Also look for the T-Bangers and other entertainment when you step off of the convention centre shuttle buses. Costumed greeters and way-finders will help you navigate through registration while being entertained by acts such as BeatSync Acapella and Carson Sax. At our various receptions, we are pleased to showcase Chris & Danyka and the Candace Sand Trio. Spin Starlets will be performing on main-stage right before our Opening General Session so get your seat early. During our Networking Lunch sponsored by IMEX, look for musical guests Avery & Made to Measure, Gyles, and Scott & Julian in our village theaters and much more!

MPI Foundation Silent Auction

In addition to our Rendezvous event at WEC, the MPI Foundation will be conducting a silent auction during WEC. The auction opens on June 10 at 6 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. on June 18. Get your bids in early!! Visit www.givergy.us/mpiWEC to place your bid or make a donation to the Foundation.

Sponsors and Partners                                

We’d like to extend a special thank you to the WEC19 sponsors & partners.

WEC 2020

Early Bird registration will be available at the main registration desk beginning Tuesday, June 18!

WEC Onsite Daily

The 36-page, WEC Onsite Daily will publish on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. It will be door dropped at most hotels in the block by 6 a.m. The Arlington CVB is sponsoring distribution of the Onsite Daily in the Convention Centre during the following hours: 6:45-9:15 a.m. Sunday; 6:45-8:15 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday. The Onsite Daily will also be available at MPI Central and through the WEC app and via MPI Pulse special editions from WEC.

Headshot Station

There will be a headshot station available each day during WEC for complimentary headshots. The station will be located in the coaching and career center. Hours are as follows:

Sunday, June 16

7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

12:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Monday, June 17

7:30 a.m.-noon

1 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 18

7:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

The Meeting Professional

Copies of the June issue of The Meeting Professional will be available at MPI Central.

MPIpulse

A special WEC edition of MPIpulse e-newsletter will publish Saturday through Tuesday and provide news and information to help attendees plan their day and give non-attendees reports on the conference. Content will include large event recaps, industry-wide announcements, links to MPItv reports and other news. It will be emailed to all MPI members and available in the WEC app.

MPItv/BizBash

Sarah Soliman will be hosting her sixth MPItv coverage at WEC. New this year is a studio at MPI Central with plans to produce three Facebook Live shows each day during the conference, in addition to spot news coverage. The content will be available on a channel at most of the WEC hotels, on social media, in the WEC app, in MPIpulse e-newsletter and on mpiweb.org. Below are the times that MPItv will be broadcasting from the studio.

Sunday, June 17

8-8:30 a.m.

12:30-1 p.m.

5:30-6 p.m.

Monday, June 18

8-8:30 p.m.

1:15-1:45 p.m.

5-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 19

9-9:30 a.m.

11-11:30 a.m.

4:30-5 p.m.

In addition, BizBash will be producing podcasts that we will send to our members via the e-newsletter and on the website. MPItv is sponsored by Caesars Entertainment.