MPI Enhancing Networking Experience for World Education Congress 2016, Introduces Special Registration Package and Meeting Ambassador Program

DALLAS, TX, March 30, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and host city partners Meet AC and Caesars Entertainment are committed to providing unique and exciting networking opportunities at this year's World Education Congress (WEC) in Atlantic City. MPI is offering a new registration option – the WEC Networking Package – that grants exclusive entry to all four evening events, including the MPI Foundation's Rendezvous which will be headlined by the Grammy® Award-winning band Train.

In addition, the association has created the Meeting Ambassador Program (MAP) to help attendees make the most of their WEC 2016 experience. MPI will pair up any interested attendee (mentee/explorer) who would like tips and advice for navigating the conference with a past WEC attendee (ambassador/navigator). The program includes the MAP Meet and Greet Reception, MAP Lounge and WEC For Me session. Attendees are encouraged to sign up early for the program during online registration.
 
"Year after year, attendees tell us how valuable WEC is for growing their professional networks," said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI. "We understand how critical networking is to the business of meeting and event planning, so we offer an array of opportunities for our attendees to connect. This year, we believe the new networking package will be especially popular with the supplier community."
 
Following are more details on WEC 2016 evening networking events.
 
Opening Night Celebration – Attendees will sample exceptional cuisine from more than 20 local restaurants at the Bally's Atlantic City Beach Bar, located near the Atlantic Ocean. Hosted by Caesars Entertainment, this beach party is scheduled for 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11th. Afterwards, WEC attendees may continue socializing from 10 p.m. to midnight at the iconic Steel Pier amusement park.
 
The Big Deal – Presented by the MPI Foundation, this official World Series of Poker satellite tournament will take place on Sunday, June 12th from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in the Palladium Ballroom at Caesars Atlantic City. WEC attendees not playing in the tournament will enjoy networking, music, dancing, raffles, games and more thanks to presenting sponsors Caesars Entertainment and Encore Event Technologies.
 
Rendezvous – This MPI Foundation signature networking and fundraising event is slated for Monday, June 13th from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at WAV, a new nightclub on Atlantic City's waterfront opening this spring at The Playground Pier at Caesars Atlantic City. The event will feature a performance by Train, the band best known for its popular singles, "Hey, Soul Sister," "Marry Me," and "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)." The presenting sponsors for Rendezvous are Meet AC and Team San Jose.
 
Closing Night Celebration – Hosted by Meet AC and Caesars Entertainment, this closing party will be held Tuesday, June 14th from 7 – 10 p.m. at The Pool After Dark at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City. It will be deejayed by dance/pop music creator Redfoo of LMFAO.
 
"As your WEC host, Meet AC has worked very hard to enhance your social networking opportunities, while also experiencing Atlantic City to its fullest," said Jim Wood, president and CEO of Meet AC. "As the industry continues to grow, the networking events are crucial to attend and connect with professionals on a personal level."
 
"Caesars Entertainment is thrilled to be hosting the Opening Night Celebration at Bally's Beach Bar, The Big Deal at Caesars Atlantic City and the Closing Night Celebration at The Pool After Dark at Harrah's. We're all in the business of face-to-face meetings, and we understand that networking with our peers is a valuable and inspiring experience. We've had the pleasure of being able to work with the city, and MEET AC, to coordinate these exciting opportunities for the attendees of WEC 2016 to network and connect," said Michael Massari, senior vice president of national meetings and events at Caesars Entertainment.
 
Additional opportunities for networking included in WEC 2016 full registration are an all-attendee lunch on Sunday, the RISE Awards Lunch on Monday, the WEC 2017 Preview Lunch on Tuesday, and MarketSquare and volunteer/corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities available throughout WEC.
 
Funds raised from MPI Foundation events and the MPI Foundation Not-So-Silent Auction, which is open May 16 – June 14, will be invested in scholarships, grants and pan-industry research. Last year, the foundation provided 230 scholarships, including 60 that helped MPI members attend WEC 2015.
 
WEC 2016 is scheduled for June 11 – 14, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. To learn more and register, visit www.mpiweb.org/wec16.
 
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.