Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official dates of the 2009 World Education Congress (WEC)? Saturday, July 11, 2009 through Tuesday, July 14, 2009.
Some events do begin before the official start of the conference including the CMP Boot Camp (additional fees) and RISE Awards. Please check the schedule for up-to-date information.
Who should attend WEC? WEC attendees include meetings and event industry professionals, including students and faculty, or suppliers to the meetings and event industry. WEC is the largest educational gathering of meeting and event professionals in the world, with an expected attendance of more than 3,500 meeting professionals.
Sign up for an MPI Membership and save on registration.
Where is WEC 2009 located? Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake, UT
This is my first time attending WEC, what should I expect? Welcome! We are glad you have chosen to attend MPI’s World Education Congress. Please click here for information we put together to help you ensure you get the most out of your Annual Meeting experience.
What is the first event? When does the meeting open? Pre-conference workshops begin Friday, July 10, followed on Saturday, July 11 with additional workshops and information sessions. The MPI Welcome Reception officially starts the meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. Registration opens Saturday, July 11 at 7:00 a.m. and the Community Service Project begins at 8:00 a.m.
What is the last event? When does the meeting end? WEC concludes on Tuesday, July 14 with the Closing Night Reception at 7:30 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 WEC and check in at Registration, you will receive a printed conference guide and conference journal. Our website also contains the entire conference program.
What is the Dress Code? Attire for WEC 2009 is business casual. Feel free to be comfortable in slacks, polo shirts, sweaters, blazers, blouses, and most importantly, comfortable shoes!
What nights are open for Satellite Events? MPI realizes the value of networking with current or potential clients outside of the conference events during WEC. In our efforts 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. The following times are available for Supplier/Client Events:
Friday
7/10/09 Saturday
7/11/09 Sunday
7/12/09 Monday
7/13/09 Tuesday
7/14/09
Before 11:00am or after 6:30pm 4:30pm – 6:30pm 5:00pm – 9:00pm 5:30pm – 11:00pm 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Will child care be provided? MPI does not provide child care services during WEC. Attendees requiring assistance with child care should contact their hotel concierge.
Is there accessibility for persons with disabilities? MPI and Salt Palace’s goal is to meet every attendee’s need. For people with disabilities, that means providing a fully accessible environment. Salt Palace complies with the regulations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For Mobility Scooter and Wheelchair rental, visit the Salt Palace Business Center Rental Info. Please make arrangements ahead of time.
Do you have more information about Salt Lake? Salt Lake has created a website specifically for your WEC – Salt Lake experience. Please visit http://www.visitsaltlake.com/visit/ for information specific to your visit. Additionally, you may contact the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800. 541.4955 with any questions.
Do you have to be a member of a private club to order an alcoholic drink in Salt Lake?
No. As of July 1, 2009, you are no longer required to purchase a private club membership to enter a bar in Utah. The Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau provides further information on their website.
What about obtaining function space around the city and the contracted hotels?
If you are interested in function space at any of the contracted hotels, you may contact the hotels directly. For a list of hotel contacts, please visit our Satellite Events page. For function space locations around the city, please contact the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800. 541.4955 with any questions.
I have a question about membership In MPI. Please contact the MPI Member Care team at 972-702-3053 or email feedback@mpiweb.org.
I have a question about the Community Service Project. This year, MPI and Salt Lake are teaming up for the WEC – Salt Lake community service project. For additional information, click here, or you may contact Elizabeth Henderson at ehenderson@mpiweb.org
I have a question about Sip, Savor and Roll. Sip, Savor and Roll is presented by the MPI Foundation. Additional information can be found on our website. You may also contact Lindsay Southall with the MPI Foundation at lsouthall@mpiweb.org.
I have a question about partnerships or sponsorships. You can review Partnership and Sponsorship opportunities online, and you may contact Meg Fasy, Sales and Strategic Partnership Department, at mfasy@mpiweb.org.
I have a question about WEC Knowledge Sessions For questions about Knowledge Sessions please contact Tracy Fuller, Knowledge Coordinator, at tfuller@mpiweb.org.
I have a question about chapter activities during WEC.
Please contact your chapter directly for any WEC events being held, 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, Foundation Silent Auction, MPI Publications, Cyber Café, Handout Print Station, The MPI Bookstore, MPI/Salt Lake Information Desk, One+ and much more.
Where will the next WEC conferences be held?
2010 July 24 - 27 - Vancouver, Canada
2011 July 23 - 26 - Orlando, Florida
2012 July 28 - 31 - St. Louis, Missouri
2013 July 20 - 23 - Las Vegas, Nevada
Registration
How can I register for WEC?
You may register to attend WEC by one of the following methods:
Online
Internet registration is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
On-site:
We will have an on-site registration counter inside Salt Palace. On-site registration hours are as follows:
Saturday, July 11 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (07:00 - 17:00)
Sunday, July 12 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (07:00 - 17:30)
Monday, July 13 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (07:00 - 17:30)
Tuesday, July 14 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (08:00 - 12:00)
What is the registration fee?
Registration fees are based on your MPI Membership status (see below): All registration fees are listed in U.S. currency.
Registration Fees Discounted Rate
by June 12, 2009 Advance Rate
by July 9, 2009 OnSite Rate
Full Member $625 $935 $995
NBTA Member $625 $935 $995
Non-Member $935 $1045 $1205
One Day (Planner Members) $395 $625 $785
One Day, Non-Members $560 $780 $835
Student Member $120 $235 $315
Member Faculty $310 $550 $760
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 866.654.0919.
Where can I get a registration form?
You can register online, by fax, or by mail. Phone registrations/hotel reservations will NOT be accepted.
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: RISE Awards Presentation; CMP Boot Camp; some computer courses; Community Service Project; Saturday CSR Session; Sip, Savor and Roll; and Rendezvous Salt Lake.
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 Registration Confirmation number or by 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 WEC 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.
Call: (514) 380-9377 or (866) 654-0919 or email wec@showcare.com
What if I need to cancel my registration?
Cancellations must be received in writing prior to June 19, 2009 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 June 19, 2009 nor will they be given for no-shows.
Please mail, fax, or email cancellations to wec@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 wec@showcare.com
The Promotional Lunch is free, why do I have to have a ticket?
The promotional lunch is open to all attendees, however historically not everyone attends the lunch. If MPI was to set the room for 100% of the registered attendees, there would be an enormous amount of food and money wasted. Having a ticket system is the most responsible way MPI knows to get a count for the room.
Housing and Travel
Which hotels in Salt Lake are official WEC Annual Meeting hotels?
The official WEC hotels are:
• Salt Lake City Marriott Downtown(Co-Headquarter Hotel)
• Hilton Salt Lake City Center (Co-Headquarter Hotel)
• Sheraton City Centre Hotel
• Salt Lake City Marriott City Center
• Red Lion Hotel Downtown
• The Peery Hotel,
• Hotel Monaco
• Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown
• Shilo Inn Suites Hotel
• The Grand America Hotel
• The Little America Hotel
Please visit our website to book your room at any of the hotels above.
How do I make a hotel reservation?
You can make your reservation online. For any questions regarding housing, please contact the following:
The Housing Connection
175 South West Temple, Suite 140
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Toll Free: 866-748-9561
International: 801-505-4605
Fax: 801-355-0250
E-mail: thc@housingregistration.com
What if I need to cancel or change my hotel reservation?
If changes need to be made before June 7, 2009, please contact The Housing Connection:
Toll Free: 866-748-9561
International: 801-505-4605
Fax: 801-355-0250
E-mail: thc@housingregistration.com After June 7, 2009, please contact the hotel directly
How far are the hotels from the convention center? Will there be shuttle service between the hotels and convention center?
The distance varies for each hotel. Complimentary shuttle service will be offered throughout the conference, during peak times, from the host hotels to the Salt Palace Convention Center and special events.
Additionally, Salt Lake’s light rail system, TRAX, is accessible and complimentary throughout the convention district and WEC venues and special events.
Can I get a discount on my airfare to WEC?
MPI has partnered with American Airlines to provide a 5% discount on airfare to WEC Salt Lake:
Meeting Promotional Code: A5479AW
Travel Dates: July 7 - 16, 2009
Origin: Any American Airlines city
Destination: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Fares Offered: 5% discount
Visit www.aa.com or contact the American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at 800.433.1790 for assistance with reservations and ticket purchase.
What is the closest airport to WEC Salt Lake?
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) it is located approximately 5 miles from downtown Salt Lake, which is about a 15 minute taxi ride.
Education
How many CEUs will I earn for attending sessions during WEC?
You can receive up to 13.5 hours of education for attending the opening general session and other daily education 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.