We've reached the next step in the Business Value of Meetings research initiative, known as BVOM. Just last week, during EIBTM in Barcelona, we introduced the BVOM toolbox to the industry and we’re excited about the reception so far!

The toolbox is a collection of resources findings that are intended to help professionals overcome the five barriers to measurement and reporting implementation. The five initial whitepapers serve as the foundation for the toolbox, which is an ever-growing resource for planners and suppliers. Each piece is dynamic and delivers key takeaways that guide BVOM practices.

MPI will continue adding toolbox pieces, such as instructional videos, glossaries, case studies and more, beginning this month. Members will have unlimited access to each tool as part of their investment with MPI; non-members professionals are able to purchase.

As you familiarize yourself with the new BVOM toolbox resources, reading and learning from the whitepapers, which of the takeaways given are you looking forward to implementing? 

Photo of Trade Show Floor from MPI's Swank Two-Story Booth

“…One of the best experiences I’ve had in my 10 years in the industry.” – Tiffany Boyer, VP Meeting Planning Department, Information Management Network

That’s a pretty powerful praise of an event that is in its first year but the sentiment is what most IMEX America attendees are saying of their time at the three-day exhibition. As the strategic partner and premier education provider, MPI interacted with thousands of global professionals through Smart Monday education, daily keynote speakers, show floor presence (did we mention we had quite the view from our two-story booth?) and MPI Foundation PURE Rendezvous fundraising party.

The MeetDifferent Day of Education on Monday delivered professional development to more than a thousand attendees, with a strong mix of both suppliers and planners in the most popular sessions:

• “The Essentials of Negotiation”
• “Meeting Design Workshop” with expert speakers
• “The Buy/Sell Relationship”

The daily keynotes kept the collaborative energy from Monday pumping every morning of the show, with hundreds of professionals learning from Robin Sieger, Dr. Brené Brown and Peter Sheahan.

On the show floor, we were able to share the MPI love and connect with both members and those who were interacting with MPI for the first time, recruiting several of them to become MPI members! And on Wednesday night, we partied for a good cause at the “hottest nightclub in the country,” PURE.  As with every Rendezvous, the money raised goes to support both research and scholarship for the industry.

For those who attended, do you agree with Tiffany’s quote? And for those who weren’t able to make it to Las Vegas, have you started making your plans for 2012? We surely hope so, because we’ve started ours!

For some musical inspiration - Europe's "The Final Countdown"

We’re on the last leg of our pre-IMEX America planning at Headquarters, and the feeling around the office is a mix of excitement and anticipation. Between Smart Monday education, the booth experience on the show floor, MPI Foundation PURE Rendezvous and the daily keynotes (to name a few items), MPI is bringing it all just short of the kitchen sink.

So I decided to do a quick survey of some of the attending team: “What are you looking forward to the most about IMEX America?”

Randy Crabtree, Membership Marketing Manager: "I'm looking forward to connecting with our members who've come to do business and expand their networks, as well as bringing the MPI story to professionals who aren't familiar with the organization. All attendees will leave Vegas knowing the content and connections made in our community at events like IMEX America."

Theresa Davis, Director of Strategic Communications: "The partnership between MPI and IMEX America enables us to bring quality professional development and a truly elevated experience to attendees.This event is the most anticipated trade show of the year, and it's amazing to see the planning come to fruition in Las Vegas."

Diana Rogers, Director of Professional Development: "I'm looking forward to the delight that the MeetDifferent Day of Education attendees will have with the ways we've designed the education. It will be unique, different from anything they've seen, heard or experienced. They will get true value from not only the experts but from each other."

Christine Perry, Manager, Foundation Operations: "THE IMEX America Night, PURE Rendezvous is definitely high on my list. We're going to have some great energy between the excitement of attendees, the live entertainment and the views of the city. And all proceeds benefit the work of the Foundation for research, scholarships and grants and more."

Hopefully you’re inspired by the energy of the MPI team. A few last minute tips from me:

• Download the official IMEX America app (courtesy of the strategic partnership with MPI)
• RSVP to the Smart Monday education, including the “Unsession: Future Trends” and “SMM -  What’s Everyone Buzzing About?”
• Be sure to come by the Booth 1012 on the show floor to get your member ribbon, connect with the team and earn as many chances as possible for a great daily giveaway.
• Buy your ticket now for PURE Rendezvous. Networking, cocktails and amazing views of the city from the hottest nightclub in the city.
• Follow @MPI for the latest and greatest information on MPI news from Vegas
• Last but not least: Get ready for an experience!

I recently caught up with Roger Simons, MPI Manager, CSR & Sustainable Events via Skype. Although he gave himself a hard time for his last appearance on Engage, the conversation was lively, informative and showed the commitment from MPI to delving into the acronyms and international bodies that shape, inform and influence CSR in meetings and events.

We discussed the recent CSR projects designed for WEC Orlando, the GRI Event Sector Supplement and the evolution of the SEMT and more. The resulting discussion is below. Have a listen and find out what you as an industry professional can expect in the upcoming months. 

LISTEN: Industry Sustainability and What It Means for You

Of the many reasons to join an association, in addition to the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, advocacy ranks high. MPI just shook the advocacy banner and released Making A Difference: The Value of Meetings and Events in Today’s Business Climate. The insert, the result of an agreement between MPI and American Business Journal , features nine articles that touch on areas of growth and importance in the industry like mobile apps, ROI and the incredible value of meetings and events. The September edition is a follow up to the popular Getting Business Done from February of this year.

Not only is the supplement be available (in 25 North American markets) to thousands of C-Suite executives who are the perfect targets for this powerful information, but members can download a PDF to share with their peers and spread the network of information. The facts, figures and anecdotes from the insert serve as evidence of the influence of our industry; start talking about Making A Difference today. 

As an industry professional, few of us would be described as wallflowers. We’re the connectors, moving through cultures and countries, connecting people for education, incentives, business and more. So it’s no surprise that the upcoming MPI Foundation Presents PURE Rendezvous party is going to be, as they say, legendary.

MPI Foundation and IMEX America are planning a soiree fit for the lush and luxurious host city of Las Vegas and the exclusivity of the venue, PURE Nightclub. Not sure if you know this but PURE, it’s kinda a big deal. A veritable who’s who of entertainers, athletes and famous-for-being-famous folks carouse at PURE, which was named the # 1 nightclub and hippest hotspot in the country” by E! Entertainment Television. And during on October 12, the who’s who could be you.

After experiencing Rendezvous for the first time at WEC in Orlando, I know firsthand the high energy excitement that our industry professionals bring when great company meets the right time and the right place. The music was jumping, folks were catching up over drinks and no one wanted the night to end. So I can only imagine the event design and delivery of PURE Rendezvous.  PURE Rendezvous takes over the 36,000 square feet and four unique experiences, bringing powerhouse singer Suzie McNeil for live entertainment along with top shelf open bar, unparalleled views of the city and that certain vibe you only get in Vegas. Attendees will meet and mingle with the thousands of international professionals looking to make connections, including hundreds of hosted buyers.

With these expected attendance numbers, PURE Rendezvous is one of the best investment planners and suppliers can make at IMEX America for a great time and the networking expected from MPI. Tickets are sure to sell out, so we advise you move quickly. Buy in bulk and get a great price break, plus you can bring your VIPs and make it a crowd. 

For professionals, the quality of education is a main attraction and value when deciding on attendance to conferences. Combined with business, knowledge is the take-home that affects not only the bottom line but also your career skills. In the lead up to the inaugural IMEX America in October, MPI is planning a slew of high-level sessions as part of Smart Monday.

By now we hope you’ve heard of Smart Monday (Oct. 10), the day of education for attendees in Las Vegas. As strategic partner and premier education provider, MPI bring the knowledge that will not only affect your on-site experience but your post-conference intelligence. Diana Rogers, director of programs at Headquarters, has been working diligently with her team to ensure the topics, speakers and learning opportunities at the MeetDifferent Day of Education surpass all expectations . In the below podcast, Diana speaks with Theresa Davis about the highly anticipated sessions that we’re delivering, free of charge, to all IMEX attendees. The full list of sessions and takeaways is online for you, as well as details about Hosted Buyers and keynote speakers.

LISTEN: Diana Rogers Highlights Smart Monday Content

If the Florida Strait marathon swimmer Diana Nyad has anything to say, 60 is the new 40 (and here I am, good to tread water on the shallow end). That means we’re living and learning longer than ever, especially in our industry where we constantly adapt to new technologies and learning styles. With the desire for continued education in mind, MPI launched the Professional Development on Demand (PDD) portal earlier this year as a streamlined way to access the largest library of industry education. This includes audio, video and webinars from subject matter experts and MPI events. In addition to being available for supplemental learning, the content qualifies for CEU credits, which can be apply toward earning or maintaining CMP certification.

MPI members have free access to the entire library as part of their membership; and MPIWeb Connect users and visitors can purchase pieces a la carte with some complimentary content. To date, there are more than 170 pieces currently in the portal with over 10,000 views. All professional development goes through a “quality assurance” process from our Content team. This review ensures not only sound and image quality but also adherence to the standards set forth by bodies like the Convention Industry Council and standards like the Meeting Business and Events Competency Standards.

 In order to make selecting the right choice a simple process, MPI members and visitors are able to sort by topic, media type and professional level. Say you’re interested in core skills videos, as you’ve just graduated from a professional education program. There’s something for you. Or you’ve been charged on how to bring sustainability to your department as a middle manager and you need a webinar to share with your boss. Again, PDD has you covered. Members, live webinars add CEU credits to your MPI profile immediately; for recorded content, simply click the CEU claim button and the credits are added to your profile.

With the abundance of new recordings from WEC in Orlando, the amount of quality and engaging professional development continues to grow. Add to that a minimum of one webinar per week that MPI host, which becomes part of the library. MPI members have the ability to access any piece at their convenience, at the office or at home on desktop and laptops; and on the road through tablets and smart phones. Mark your calendar weekly to see what’s new and what you can learn from your association. 

It goes without saying that Visit Orlando does a fantastic job of showcasing their city for media. The tour created for WEC writers, in my opinion, went beyond the expected: the writers saw a side of the city I’m quite sure that not many, not even Orlando natives, have an opportunity to experience.

Friday night, the host hotel for the media, Peabody Orlando, started everything with a welcome reception in the Rocks bar, where the journalists had a fantastic view of the refined dining space and the outdoor pool and water park area. The Peabody recently finished a half billion dollar renovation, and the results are dazzling. From there, it was on to the One Ocean Show in Shamu Stadium at SeaWorld Orlando. The Show, with trained killer whales as the entertainment, not only entertained but educated; between sets, the audience learned about the conservation efforts of the park. Afterward, the group even got to meet some of the animals helped by SeaWorld: a toucan, sloth and other curious animals that delighted everyone and caused a flurry of pictures. We capped the evening with an informational dinner in the private event space and a Q&A on how groups can enjoy the kind of experience we just enjoyed.

Our group got an early start the next morning at the Citrus Club for a tourism roundtable with Visit Orlando CEO Gary Sain. While enjoying a private breakfast, the media learned about the city’s role as a leading meeting destination and the more than $4 billion in new developments. Gary had a great comment how Orlando works with planners to not only create incredible return on investment but also a return on ideas. After this, the topic turned to sustainability at a Clean the World hands-on recycling event at the organization’s headquarters. Clean the World works throughout the hospitality industry and the sanitizing session demonstrated the dedication that the organization and its volunteers have to providing soap for impoverished areas of the world.

Next we were off to the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA), part of the University of Central Florida’s Center for Emerging Media. Truly a highlight, the reps at FIEA explained the growth of the interactive and digital media industry, its tie to the local economy and how groups and associations are making use of the technology in learning and presentations.

A behind-the-scenes view of the Amway Center, home to the Orlando Magic, revealed several spaces available for events, each with a distinct environment. The added bonus was a catered lunch provided by Amway in the Fairwinds Tower Room, with a clear view of downtown, and the opportunity to speak with Scott Joseph, Orlando restaurant critic and writer, who discussed the evolution of Orlando’s fine dining scene.  The day ended with a tour of Medical City at Lake Nona, an attraction for medical groups who use the research laboratories and education facilities, and one of the venues that makes Orlando a popular destination for medical meetings. After an extensive Q&A, the group was ready to make it back to the Peabody and prepare for the opening night reception at Disney’s Epcot Alive!

A huge thank you goes to Jennifer Dienst and the Visit Orlando team, all host venues, the media themselves for being such a receptive audience to the locations and everyone involved.