DALLAS, Aug. 13, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following the success of its 2014 World Education Congress (WEC), Meeting Professionals International (MPI) will deliver more industry-leading education during the fourth edition of IMEX America in Las Vegas this October. MPI is the strategic partner and premier education provider for the tradeshow and will once again present the daily keynotes as well as power IMEX's renowned Smart Monday program on October 13, 2014. Additionally, the MPI Foundation will host Rendezvous, the IMEX America Night, which is the must-attend fundraising and networking event for attendees.
MPI will offer a total of 35 education sessions during IMEX America. Smart Monday, powered by MPI, will feature 31 education sessions, including a keynote, four deep dives and MPI's Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC) Program course. Clock hours can be earned for most sessions, and key topics include hotel and incentive travel trends, risk management and contracts, technology, green and socially responsible meetings, meeting design and more.
"We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees on our education sessions at IMEX America for the past three years and look forward to presenting the keynotes and Smart Monday, powered by MPI, again this year," said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI. "MPI has a strong partnership with the IMEX Group, so our teams are diligently working hand-in-hand to provide another robust program for the tradeshow's thousands of attendees."
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group commented: "I'm delighted that Smart Monday has become such an asset for the meetings and events industry and is established as a high-value attraction in its own right. MPI has taken a lead role since the launch of IMEX America in producing the Smart Monday program, as well as collaborating with a host of additional trade associations to ensure the broadest possible curriculum for buyers and suppliers on the day. With more than 200 education sessions also happening at IMEX America across four days, the show is set to combine business, networking and education on a larger scale than ever before."
MPI will present the following four well-known and thought-provoking keynote speakers each morning of IMEX America.
Monday, October 13
Steve Gross – How Joy and Optimism Ignite the Best in Us
A recognized expert in utilizing joyful play to promote resiliency, Gross will teach attendees how to use playfulness to energize individuals, teams and organizations, and help them reach their full potential.
Tuesday, October 14
James Sun – Color Does Matter: The Truth About Diversity in the 21st Century
Sun, a former finalist on Donald Trump's "The Apprentice" and co-founder of the start-up that created the social media app, Anomo, will discuss his philosophy about the need for diversity and its impact on ethnic social dynamics.
Wednesday, October 15
John Spence – The Fundamentals of Excellence
Spence will present tips for creating a competitive business strategy and transforming staff into a high-performance team based on his book, Awesomely Simple, and his work at more than 300 organizations worldwide.
Thursday, October 16
Wendy Booker – I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends
Booker, a multiple sclerosis survivor who has climbed mountains on six continents, shares insights on the value and power of teamwork and how to leverage connections to accomplish goals.
MPI will also present education in its booth (#3408) for the first time this year. Attendees are encouraged to stop by to network and learn more about MPI membership and volunteer opportunities.
In addition, the MPI Foundation will host Rendezvous, the IMEX America Night on Wednesday evening, October 15, at the recently opened Drai's, a lavish indoor and outdoor club located in The Cromwell hotel, which is a Caesars Entertainment property. Funds raised from the signature event are invested in scholarships, chapter grants and pan-industry research – all of which help secure the future success of the meeting and event industry. More details and ticket information will be published soon at www.mpiweb.org/rendezvous-imex.
To learn more about MPI programming at IMEX America, visit www.mpiweb.org/Events/imex-2014.
About IMEX America
IMEX America is America's worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events and is the largest tradeshow for the industry in the USA. The fourth edition will take place at the Sands Expo, Las Vegas®, (which is connected to the show's Headquarters Hotel, The Venetian®|The Palazzo®), Oct 14-16 2014, and includes Smart Monday, powered by MPI on Monday Oct. 13. Visit www.imexamerica.com for more information.
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 is comprised of approximately 18,500 members belonging to 70 chapters and clubs worldwide. For additional information or to join, visit www.mpiweb.org.