FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Theresa Davis
Meeting Professionals International
(972) 702-3044
TDavis@mpiweb.org

MPI FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES ECOS SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT

DALLAS, TX (November 19, 2009) – Meeting Professionals International Foundation, in cooperation with AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions, announces the beginnings of the Events for Communities of Sustainability (ECOS) Project, an in-depth, project-driven platform for enhancing sustainable meetings. The ECOS project, which will premiere in Canada this fall, is a framework to support sustainability in the meetings and business events industry.
This one-of-a-kind project will focus on four significant areas including: food, water, shelter and education. The program also supports MPI’s commitment to the UN Global Compact and all eight Canadian chapters have voiced their commitment to participate in the program.

“We are extremely excited at the launch of the ECOS Project, which provides an integrated approach to applying, measuring and recognizing our MPI chapters’ social responsibility efforts. Business events powerfully shape the environmental, social and environmental sustainability of our communities,” said Joe Nishi, MPI Foundation Canadian Council Chairman.

The program, concluding in March 2010, will be measured through volunteer hours, funds raised and number of MPI members involved. Individual Canadian chapters will be given the opportunity to choose a specific charity or charitable project in order to give the program a local emphasis.

“Our chapters have intelligently matched their vision, mission and resources with local community partners that work to provide food, water, shelter and education in our communities, all elements essential to the success of our industry and yet not accessible by many,” continued Nishi. “Ensuring the sustainability of the communities in which we do business helps to ensure the longevity of our business there.”

“AVW-TELAV is proud to be the sole sponsor of the ECOS Project. Being a socially responsible organization was a clear message that came out of our Employee Engagement Survey. This community effort aligns perfectly with the integrity of our brand, our environmental goals, our commitment to a national Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and our industry leadership role, “said Heidi Welker, AVW-TELAV’s Vice President of Marketing.
To learn more about the ECOS Project, please visit www.mpiweb.org/ECOS.

About AVW-TELAV:
AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions offers a complete range of audio visual and presentation technology services throughout North America. These services include audio visual and computer equipment rental, event staging, simultaneous interpretation, digital services including presentation management, audience response, video capture and webcasting; multi-microphone discussion systems exhibit and tradeshow solutions, press conferences and technical coordination for meetings, conventions, corporate events and trade shows. AVW-TELAV is also established as an industry leader in system design and integration of permanent audio, visual, and videoconferencing equipment. AVW-TELAV is one of the Freeman companies. For more information, visit www.avwtelav.com.

About the MPI Foundation:
The mission of the MPI Foundation is to power the vision of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the meetings and events industry’s largest and most vibrant global community comprised of more than 24,000 members representing 84 countries worldwide. Contributions from MPI members, chapters, and organizations are invested in high-impact programs to support a rich, global meetings and events industry and shape the future of the meetings and events profession. For more information, visit www.mpifoundation.org.