Frequently Asked Questions

What are the official dates of MeetDifferent 2010? MeetDifferent Cancun will take place from Saturday, February 20, 2010 through Tuesday, February 23, 2010. Some events do begin before the official start of the conference, including the CMP Boot Camp (additional fee). Please check the schedule for up-to-date information.

For additional questions, please email Kristen@MPIWEB.org. She will source the answer to your question and will email you a response soon.

Who should attend MeetDifferent?
Where is MeetDifferent 2010 located?
This is my first time attending MeetDifferent, what should I expect?
What is the first event? When does the meeting open?
What is the last event? When does the meeting end?
I didn’t receive my program in the mail. Where is it?
What is the Dress Code?
What times are open for Satellite Events?
Will child care be provided?
How can I rent a wheelchair or scooter for use during the conference?
Do you have more information about Cancun?
What about obtaining function space at Moon Palace?
I have a question about membership In MPI. Who should I contact?
What is the Community Service Project?
I have a question about partnerships or sponsorships.
I have a question about MeetDifferent Knowledge Sessions.
I have a question about chapter activities during MeetDifferent.
What is the Global Village?

Registration
How can I register for MeetDifferent?
What is the registration fee?
How do I know if I'm registered?
What is included in my registration fee?
Why should I use the self registration kiosk?
How will I receive my badge?
What if I need to cancel my registration?
What if I need to send someone else in my place?
What is the official hotel for MeetDifferent?
How do I make a hotel reservation?
What if I need to cancel or change my hotel reservation?
Is airport transportation provided?
Where will I meet for my airport transportation upon arrival at Cancun International Airport?
Can I get a discount on my airfare to MeetDifferent?
What is the closest airport to MeetDifferent Cancun?
How many CEUs will I earn for attending sessions during MeetDifferent?
Why is there an extra fee for the computer lab sessions?
What should I do if the session I would like to attend is full?
Why does my name badge need to be scanned prior to entering a session?

Who should attend MeetDifferent?

MeetDifferent attendees are typically meetings and event industry professionals, including students and faculty, or suppliers to the meetings and event industry. Sign up for an MPI Membership and save on registration.

Where is MeetDifferent 2010 located?

MeetDifferent will take place at Moon Palace in Cancun, Mexico.

This is my first time attending MeetDifferent, what should I expect?

Welcome! We are glad you have chosen to attend MPI’s MeetDifferent. Please click here for information we put together to help you ensure you get the most out of your conference experience.

What is the first event? When does the meeting open?

Pre-conference workshops begin Friday, February 19 and continue through Saturday, February 20. The MPI Welcome Reception officially starts the conference at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 20. Registration opens Saturday, February 20 at 7:30 a.m.

What is the last event? When does the meeting end?

MeetDifferent concludes on Tuesday, February 23 with the Closing Night Reception at 7:00 p.m.

I didn’t receive my program in the mail. Where is it?

As part of MPI’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program (CSR), we do not print and mail conference guides. When you arrive at MeetDifferent and check in at Registration, you will receive a printed conference guide and conference journal.

What is the Dress Code?

Attire for MeetDifferent 2010 is business casual, except for the Closing Night Reception which is beach attire. Temperatures range from high 82°F to a low of 68°F in Cancun this time of year, so you may want to bring cool and comfortable clothes more suited for Spring and Summer seasons. It may be cool in meeting rooms and in the evenings so we recommend you bring a light sweater or jacket. Comfortable shoes are also recommended as there will be some walking between meeting rooms and guest rooms.

What times are open for Satellite Events?

MPI realizes the value of networking with current or potential clients outside of the conference events during MeetDifferent. In our effort to partner with you and provide a return on investment to our host cities, MPI is tracking all events held in conjunction with MPI meetings. Satellite/Client Events must not conflict with any conference-related activities. Click here for more information on Satellite/Client Events. 

Will child care be provided?

MPI does not provide child care services during MeetDifferent. Attendees requiring assistance with child care should contact the hotel concierge.

How can I rent a wheelchair or scooter for use during the conference?

Wheelchair and scooter rental is available through the Moon Palace Public Relations Department.  Please contact them at +52 (998) 8 881 60 00 Ext. 4649/4650 or E-mail: relpubmps@palaceresorts.com

Rental Options: Prices include tax. In addition to the daily rental rate a one time fee of $15 USD will apply per wheelchair or scooter for delivery/pick up.

Standard 17" Wheelchair -$10 USD per day, Large 20" Wheelchair - $15 USD per day

Small Scooter- $35 USD per day, Medium Scooter- $40 USD per day, Large Scooter- $45 USD per day

Do you have more information about Cancun?

Cancun has created a website specifically for MeetDifferent – Cancun experience. Please click here for more information about Cancun.

What about obtaining function space at Moon Palace?

If you are interested in function space at Moon Palace, please visit our satellite events page for more information.

I have a question about membership In MPI. Who should I contact?

Please contact the MPI Member Care team at 972-702-3053 or email feedback@mpiweb.org.

What is the Community Service Project?

Make a Difference Day supporting Save the Children Mexico

The project this year consists of organizing school supplies, such as crayons, markers, paper, glue, and small musical instruments, and then putting these items into backpacks. Supplies and backpacks will be set up in the foyers near the Knowledge Sessions at Moon Palace on Monday, February 22 from 7:30a.m. – 3:30p.m. Attendees are invited to take a few minutes to stop by and help stuff the backpacks. The backpacks will then be given to Save the Children Mexico, to be distributed to their Ludotecas. Our goal is to complete 1000 backpacks.

Since 2005, Save the Children Mexico has implemented a preventive program called Ludotecas, and its main objective is to offer under privileged children better opportunities. For more information, click here.

I have a question about partnerships or sponsorships.

You can review Partnership and Sponsorship opportunities online and/or contact Meg Fasy, Sales and Strategic Partnership Department, at mfasy@mpiweb.org.

I have a question about MeetDifferent Knowledge Sessions.

For questions about Knowledge Sessions, please contact Elizabeth Luna, Content Management Coordinator, at eluna@mpiweb.org.

I have a question about chapter activities during MeetDifferent.

Please contact your chapter directly for any MeetDifferent events or email chapters@mpiweb.org.

What is the Global Village?

Global Village is the central hub of activity for the conference. In the Global Village you will find Registration, Member Care, Foundation, MPI Publications, Cyber Café, The MPI Bookstore, MPI/Cancun Information Desk and much more.

Registration

How can I register for MeetDifferent?
You may register to attend MeetDifferent online.
Internet registration is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

On-site
We will have an on-site registration counter inside Moon Palace. On-site registration hours are as follows:
Saturday, February 20 
    7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (07:30 - 18:00)
Sunday, February 21
     7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (07:30 - 18:00)
Monday, February 22 
    7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (07:30 - 18:00)
Tuesday, February 23 
    7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (07:30 - 12:00)

What is the registration fee?

Registration fees are based on your MPI Membership status (see below):

Discounted Rate By:
January 22, 2010

Advanced Rate By:
February 19, 2010

Onsite Rate

MPI Members &
NBTA Members

$625

$935

$1,145

Non-Member

$935

$1,045

$1,355

One Day Member

$395

$625

$835

One Day Non-Member

$560

$780

$885

Student Member

$120

$235

$465

Member Faculty

$310

$550

$910

Please note: All registration fees are listed in U.S. currency.

How do I know if I'm registered?

All attendees will receive a confirmation by email. This confirmation is your receipt and verifies your address information, the event(s) for which you have signed up, and how much you have paid. If you have questions, please call 514-380-9370 or 866-654-0912 or email meetdifferent@showcare.com.

What is included in my registration fee?

A full conference registration includes all educational sessions (with the exception of optional and/or additional fee sessions as indicated on the registration form); the Welcome Reception on Saturday; lunches on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and the Closing Night Reception on Tuesday. The following are additional fees: CMP Boot Camp; some computer courses; Foundation Golf Tournament and Rendezvous Cancun.

Why should I use the self registration kiosk?

Just like at the airport, these stations are offered to help you get checked in quickly and efficiently. You are able to pick up all your materials just by entering your name and email or scanning the barcode from your confirmation email. A registration agent will be there to assist you if you have any questions.

How will I receive my badge?

When you arrive at MeetDifferent and check in at a self registration kiosk or at the registration counter, you will receive your badge. Please note that a photo ID will be required to pick up badges/materials. Attendees will not be allowed to pick up other attendee badges/materials.
I have a question or problem regarding my registration.
Please call 514-380-9370 or 866-654-0912 or email meetdifferent@showcare.com.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

Cancellations must be received in writing prior to January 22, 2010 and are subject to a US $75 processing fee. Refunds will be processed within 30 days after the conference. Refunds will not be granted after January 22, 2010 nor will they be given for no-shows. Please mail, fax or email cancellations to meetdifferent@showcare.com.

What if I need to send someone else in my place?

Attendees may transfer registrations but may be charged an additional fee depending on registration type. All requests must be sent to meetdifferent@showcare.com.

What is the official hotel for MeetDifferent?

The official hotel for MeetDifferent is Moon Palace.

How do I make a hotel reservation?

You can make your reservation online.
For any questions regarding housing, please contact: eherrera@palaceresorts.com.

What if I need to cancel or change my hotel reservation?

Changes must be notified via e-mail to eherrera@palaceresorts.com at least seven (7) days before the arrival date.
In case of cancellations, a complete refund will be applicable up to seven days prior to arrival. Cancellations received within seven (7) days of arrival will be charged a one night penalty. Early departures from the hotel and no shows are non-refundable.

Is airport transportation provided?

Step off the plane and set your worries aside. Transportation has been arranged for you. As part of your MeetDifferent experience, a shuttle from the airport to Moon Palace will be complimentary for attendees arriving Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20 (limited schedule). A shuttle from Moon Palace to the airport will be complimentary for Wednesday, February 24 after the conference has concluded. During the registration process you will be asked for your arrival and departure flight information to arrange your transfers.

Where will I meet for my airport transportation upon arrival at Cancun International Airport?

After passing through customs at Cancun International Airport, walk to your right until you get outside the airport.  There you will be greeted by transportation staff holding MeetDifferent welcome signs.  The transportation staff will assist and you walk you to your transportation that will take you to your hotel.

Can I get a discount on my airfare to MeetDifferent?

Book your air travel to Cancun with American Airlines and receive a 5% discount. Enter the special promotional code 9620AD when booking your reservations. Go to www.americanairlines.com to get started.
Book your air travel to Cancun with Continental Airlines and receive a 5% discount. Enter the special promotional code ZFG5ALQ30R in the Offer Code Box when searching for your flights. Go to www.continental.com to make your reservations.
Book your air travel to Cancun with Jet Blue Airways and receive a 5% discount. Enter the special promotional code MPIMeetDifferent2010 when booking your reservations. Go to www.jetblue.com/promo to get started.

What is the closest airport to MeetDifferent Cancun?

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is located approximately ten minutes from Moon Palace.

How many CEUs will I earn for attending sessions during MeetDifferent?

You can receive up to 19.5 hours of education for attending the opening general session and other daily education sessions (includes early riser sessions). Additional credit may be available for auxiliary programs.
*Please note that credits are listed in number of educational contact hours. Depending on the program (CMM, CMP, etc.), CEU credits may be calculated differently.

Why is there an extra fee for the computer lab sessions?

Computer labs have an additional fee to help offset the expense for the use of the computers.
Some of the best educational experiences are those in which you dive in and learn by doing, and our computer labs let you do just that.

What should I do if the session I would like to attend is full?

MPI suggests that you get to the assigned meeting room early to avoid missing a session. You should also note the top two sessions you want to attend during a particular time slot, then you will have a back-up should a session fills up. Please note that all session rooms are set to help foster a creative learning environment and are set to the maximum number of seats allowed per the Fire Marshal.

Why does my name badge need to be scanned prior to entering a session?

Meeting Professionals International offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to recognize and record satisfactory participation in noncredit educational programs. CEUs are available for all of our knowledge sessions. Units are derived from contact hours and can be used toward various designation programs, including the CMM and the CMP. Your name badge will be scanned by an educational assistant as you enter the room. The CEUs will be added to your transcript within three weeks of the conference. Please review and verify that your CEU credits are correct by going to www.mpiweb.org and logging into your profile.