DALLAS, Feb. 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has selected Copenhagen, Denmark, as the destination for its 2016 European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC). The association revealed its plans earlier today during the closing of EMEC 2015 in Kraków, Poland.
Next year will be the third time MPI has hosted a conference in the Danish capital. The association previously held its former Professional Education Conference-Europe in Copenhagen in 1998 and 2007. EMEC 2016 is scheduled for February 7 – 9, 2016, at the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel.
"MPI is thrilled to return to Copenhagen," said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI. "In selecting the host city for EMEC, MPI works closely with our European volunteer leaders, strategic partners and Pierre Fernandez – the head of MPI's European operations – to identify destinations that provide world-class infrastructures and facilities, are accessible for our membership and align with our culture to push the envelope in meeting design. Copenhagen excels in each of those areas."
Copenhagen is one of the most popular destinations for meetings and events in Europe. The city has been recognized by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) for several years in its annual ranking of top convention cities.
"MPI Denmark, together with our partners VisitDenmark, Wonderful Copenhagen CVB and Radisson Blu Scandinavia, are honored to welcome EMEC 2016 to Copenhagen, and we are all very excited about this unique opportunity to showcase the Danish Meetovation meeting design concept. Our vision is to help make this conference a state-of-the-art event where Meetovation meeting designs are implemented in the execution," said Helle Svaneborg, president of the board of directors, MPI Denmark Chapter.
Denmark and its capital of Copenhagen are known for their commitment to innovation, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Copenhagen is the birth place of "Meetovation," a meeting design concept that aims to create a better learning outcome and an increased return on investment (ROI) by using creative, state-of-the-art elements and techniques. The city also has a long track record of sustainable meetings management and was voted Europe's Green Capital for 2014 by the European Environment Commission.
"Evidence of being in action to make a social, economic and environmental difference is essential to be a world-leading destination. I am thrilled that MPI's EMEC will be held in Copenhagen in 2016 because it is a city that clearly demonstrates their commitment to sustainability," said Fiona Pelham, chair-elect of MPI's board of directors.
MPI's partners for EMEC 2016 include VisitDenmark, Wonderful Copenhagen Convention & Visitors Bureau, Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel and the MPI Denmark Chapter. To register interest and receive updates on next year's conference, visit www.mpiweb.org/emec2016.
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.