MPI Reimagines Annual World Education Congress, Taking Risks with Design, Format and Content in Atlantic City

DALLAS, March 23, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is rewriting its own rules for its World Education Congress (WEC), scheduled this year for June 11 – 14, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The conference will incorporate new and unconventional elements such as an engaging general session room design, more active audience participation, exclusive senior meeting professional education opportunities, and more. WEC 2016 will be held at the Harrah's Atlantic City Waterfront Conference Center, and Meet AC will be providing attendees with complimentary ground transportation service from the Philadelphia International Airport and the Atlantic City International Airport to host hotels.

WEC is MPI's annual signature event through which it delivers premier education, business and networking opportunities to MPI members and the greater meeting and event community. This year's conference will deliver more than 80 education sessions that follow four main tracks: Leadership & Strategic Planning, Supplier Focus, Meeting Planning & Project Management, and Meeting & Event Design. Session topics include international meeting planning, event security, trends in convention center sales, cloud computing, attracting and retaining millennials, risk management and meeting planning Six Sigma style. Also, WEC will offer peer-to-peer senior meeting professional sessions where participants will share best practices and problem solve beyond the basics on current issues. The majority of WEC education sessions are aligned to the CMP International Standards and are eligible for clock hours.
 
"At MPI, we strive to take WEC to the next level each and every year, and this year is no different," said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI. "With the help of attendees, we will rewrite the rules of engagement for our conference and take risks on their behalf. From mixed seating arrangements and stage design to roundtable discussions and problem-solving breakout groups, we have designed this year's program to shift the audience from passive attendees to willing participants – all in an effort to help them remain relevant and learn new and different approaches to planning successful meetings and events."
 
Following are a few highlights from this year's education program.

General Session Redesign – The general session space will offer four different stages, feature a house band playing live music on one stage, utilize new and creative visual components, and incorporate mixed seating throughout to ensure there isn't a bad seat in the house. In addition, the general sessions will be live streamed for viewing in the MarketSquare.

Innovation Showcase – This education opportunity will present new meeting and event solutions in a rapid-fire presentation format. Attendees will be able to learn more about some of the new technologies and innovations and get hands-on experience by visiting the Innovation Corner located in MarketSquare. MPI is accepting proposals for the Innovation Showcase until March 25th.

Thought Leaders Theatre – This theatre space is located within the Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, just a short walk from the conference center. It will include some of the most creative and thought-provoking education sessions at WEC 2016 including the Innovation Showcase, the Speakers Showcase and the Experiential Event Series Panel featuring the brilliant minds behind CES, South By Southwest (SXSW), and the Miss America Production.
 
In addition, the MPI Academy will deliver several certificate programs just prior to WEC 2016. These include the Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate course (HMCC); the Meetings & Events at Sea course presented in partnership with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA); Going Local: A Roadmap for Inspiring Sense of Place; and ColorUP!™It's Time to Think Creative, Be Creative and Plan Creative Experiences.
 
To learn more and register for WEC 2016, visit www.mpiweb.org/wec16. Details on the keynote speaker will be announced soon.
 
About MPI
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest and most vibrant global meeting and event industry association. The organization provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities and business exchanges, and acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry. MPI membership includes approximately 18,500 members belonging to more than 80 chapters and clubs in 22 countries. For additional information or to join, visit www.mpiweb.org.