Frequently Asked Questions
For a PDF version, please click here.
GENERAL
What are the official dates of the 2010 World Education Congress (WEC)?
Who should attend WEC?
Where is WEC 2010 located?
This is my first time attending WEC, 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 nights are open for Satellite Events?
What if I want to obtain function space around the city and/or at the contracted hotels?
Is there accessibility for persons with disabilities at the Vancouver Convention Centre?
Will child care be provided while I’m attending WEC 2010?
I am bringing my family with me; will there be activities for them to enjoy?
I have a question about membership In MPI.
I have a question about the Community Service Project.
I have a question about Sip, Savor and Roll.
I have a question about partnerships or sponsorships.
I have a question about WEC 2010 Knowledge Sessions.
I have a question about chapter activities during WEC 2010.
What is the Global Village?
Where will the next WEC conferences be held?
REGISTRATION
How can I register for WEC?
What is the registration fee?
How do I know if I'm registered?
Where can I get a registration form?
What is included in my registration fee?
Why should I use the self registration kiosk?
How will I receive my badge?
I have a question or problem regarding my registration.
What if I need to cancel my registration?
What if I need to send someone else in my place?
I am a member of the press – do you have press registration?
The Promotional Lunch is free, why do I have to have a ticket?
HOUSING
Which hotels in Vancouver are official WEC Annual Meeting hotels?
How do I make a hotel reservation?
What if I need to cancel or change my hotel reservation?
How far are the hotels from the convention center? Will there be shuttle service between the hotels and convention center?
Can I get discount on my airfare to WEC?
What is the closest airport to WEC Vancouver?
EDUCATION
How many CEUs will I earn for attending sessions during WEC?
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?
What are the official dates of the 2010 World Education Congress (WEC)?
The official dates are: Saturday, July 24, 2010 through Tuesday, July 27, 2010.
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. The opening general session begins on Sunday, March 24 at 10:00 a.m.
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 3,000 meeting professionals. Sign up for an MPI Membership and save on registration.
Where is WEC 2010 located?
WEC 2010 will be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The conference venue is the Vancouver Convention Centre in downtown Vancouver.
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 23, followed on Saturday, July 24 with additional workshops, information sessions and the Community service project.
The MPI Welcome Reception officially starts the meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 24. Registration opens Saturday, July 24 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 2010 officially concludes on Tuesday, July 27 with the Closing Night Reception starting 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. We are also taking our social responsibility one step further this year. We are going digital with our on-site guide. When you arrive at WEC and check in at registration, you will receive a condensed pocket guide. This guide will help you navigate your way to general sessions, scheduled knowledge sessions and networking events for the day. There will also be electronic screens displaying the days events throughout the convention center.
The WEC 2010 Website also contains the entire conference program. So, if you want a printed copy, please print one out before you leave your office to attend WEC 2010.
What is the Dress Code?
Attire for WEC 2010 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:
| Sunday - July 25, 2010 | Monday - July 26, 2010 |
| 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
18.30 - 21.00 | 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
17.30 - 23.00 |
For assistance in locating and off-site venue within Vancouver, please contact Carrie Leung, Client Manager, Convention Services at Tourism Vancouver. She can be reached at 604-631-2867 or via email at cleung@tourismvancouver.com
To register your event with MPI, please send the following information to satelliteevents@mpiweb.org by June 4, 2010 and include:
- Company name that is hosting the event
- Your name and your contact information for pre-planning
- The onsidte contact name and their telephone number that will be used onsite
- Indicate if your Satellite Events is private/invitation only -OR- open to all
- Number of attendees that you anticipate
- Indicate what type of meeting space you need (i.e. meeting room, private event room, table(s) at a restaurant or bar for cocktail reception
- Will you be providing transporation?
What if I want to obtain function space around the city and/or at 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 Vancouver Convention Center at 604-689-8232 with any questions.
For assistance in location an off-site venue within Vancouver, please contact Carrie Leung, Client Manager, Convention Services at Tourism Vancouver. She can be reached at 604-631-2867 or via email at cleung@tourismvancouver.com
Is there accessibility for persons with disabilities at the Vancouver Convention Centre?
MPI and Vancouver Convention Centre’s goal is to meet every attendee’s need. For people with disabilities, that means providing a fully accessible environment. Vancouver Convention Centre complies with the regulations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Will child care be provided while I’m attending WEC 2010?
MPI does not provide child care services during WEC. Attendees requiring assistance with child care should contact their hotel concierge.
I am bringing my family with me; will there be activities for them to enjoy?
Family and friends will enjoy the picturesque city of Vancouver – so invite them to join you. Should your guest want to attend WEC 2010, a special spouse/guest registration price of $250 USD is available onsite. We cannot register guests online they must come to the registration desk to register. Guests are welcome to participate in the opening reception, closing reception and other official evening events, excluding Rendezvous Vancouver. Please note that guests are those individuals who are not in an industry-related position and must be 18 years of age or older. Co-workers or associates in the industry do not qualify.
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.
MPI volunteers will be taken by bus to Vancouver’s North Shore. Working stream-side in a forest park, volunteers will be supervised by local experts and will be involved in activities such as species identification, surveying, and replacing invasive plants with native species that provide critical shade, shelter and protection from erosion. Volunteers will have lunch provided and will visit a local fish hatchery. Waterproof hiking footwear is recommended.
For additional information, click here, or you may contact Roger Simons at rsimons@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 events page. You may also contact Holly Torres with the MPI Foundation at htorres@mpiweb.org.
I have a question about partnerships or sponsorships.
You can review Partnership and Sponsorship opportunities online by flipping through the pages of our new iBrochure or contact:
Sponsorship Opportunities
Shalynn Lucas at: slucas@mpiweb.org
Advertising Opportunities
Carolyn Nyquist at: cnyquist@mpiweb.org
I have a question about WEC 2010 Knowledge Sessions
For questions about Knowledge Sessions please contact Elizabeth Luna at eluna@mpiweb.org.
I have a question about chapter activities during WEC 2010.
Please contact your chapter directly for any events being held by your chapter at WEC 2010. You may also email your question to: chapters@mpiweb.org
What is the Global Village?
The Global Village is the central hub of activity for the conference. In the Global Village you will find stations for Registration, Member Care, Foundation, Foundation Silent Auction, MPI Publications One+, Cyber Café, Handout and Virtual Access Pass Print Station, The MPI Bookstore, MPI/Vancouver Information Desk, and much more.
Where will the next WEC conferences be held?
- 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 – The WEC 2010 official Website provides Internet registration 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
On-site – Registration counters are available on-site inside the Vancouver Convention Centre
On-site registration hours are as follows:
| Saturday - July 24, 2010 | 07.30 – 18.00/7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Sunday - July 25, 2010 | 07.30 – 18.00/7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m |
| Monday - July 26, 2010 | 07.30 – 18.00/7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m |
| Tuesday - July 27, 2010 | 07.30 – 12.00/07:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
What is the registration fee?
| Rate Before
June 25, 2010 | Rate After
June 25, 2010 | On-Site Rate |
| Full Member | $625.00 | $935.00 | $995.00 |
| NBTA Member | $625.00 | $935.00 | $995.00 |
| Non-Member | $935.00 | $1045.00 | $1205.00 |
| One Day (Planner member) | $395.00 | $625.00 | $785.00 |
| One Day (non-member) | $560.00 | $780.00 | $835.00 |
| Student Member | $120.00 | $235.00 | $315.00 |
| Member Faculty | $310.00 | $550.00 | $760.00 |
All registration fees are listed in USD.
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) and/or additional fee sessions 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 get a paper registration form here. You have the option to: register online, register 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.
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 email address 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 25, 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 June 25, 2010 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.
I am a member of the press – do you have press registration?
WEC 2010 welcomes the professional editorial staff (including photographers and camera crews) of print, online, and broadcast media at most of their conventions, conferences, symposia and educational seminars. Complimentary registrations are extended to the “working media” for most meetings with the same amenities as other full-price registrants. Other publication staff (non-editorial positions, such as advertising directors and advertising representatives) may attend only as part of exhibitor staff and must pay the full registration fees.For more information, contact Kristen Kouk at kkouk@mapiweb.org
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
Which hotels in Vancouver are official WEC Annual Meeting hotels?
The official WEC hotels are:
- Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel (Co-Headquarter Hotel)
- The Fairmont Waterfront (Co-Headquarter Hotel)
- The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
- The Fairmont Pacific Rim Vancouver
- The Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown
- Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver
- Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside
- Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel
- The Sutton Place Hotel
- The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
- Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Vancouver Downtown
- Days Inn Vancouver Downtown
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:
MPI WEC 2010 Housing
c/o Advance Group Conference Management
Suite 101 - 1444 Alberni Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6G 2Z4 Canada
Phone: +1-604-688-9655 Extension 1
Fax: +1-604-685-3521
Email: mpiwec2010housing@advance-group.com
What if I need to cancel or change my hotel reservation?
- Modifications and cancellations made by the guest online at www.mpiweb.org are not charged a fee. Any modifications and cancellations received either via fax or email to Advance Group will be charged an administration fee of $50.00 CAD.
- Individual cancellations must be done no later than the 48 hours prior to guest check-in to avoid 1 night’s deposit charged by the hotel.
- If the credit card information you submit is incorrect and we need to contact you more than once to obtain correct information, a reprocessing fee of $50.00 CAD will be charged by Advance Group.
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 Vancouver Convention Center and special events.
Can I get discount on my airfare to WEC?
MPI has partnered with the following airlines to provide discount airfare to WEC 2010:
Air Canada
Air Canada is proud to be the Official Canadian Airline for the 2010 World Education Congress. Book your air travel to Vancouver with Air Canada and receive a 10%* discount. Enter the special promotional code NFMM4B81 when booking your reservations. Go to www.aircanada.com to get started.
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*Promotional discount is limited to the first 500 passengers.
*Valid flight discount travel dates: Friday, July 16, 2010 - Wednesday, August 04, 2010.
WestJet
Book your air travel to Vancouver with WestJet and receive a 10% discount off the best available regular fare at the time of booking (excluding we and promotional fares). To take advantage of this offer, contact WestJet's Convention line at 1-877-952-4696 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time) Monday through Friday. Refer to account number CC6509 when booking. Discounted rates are available for travel up to 3 days prior and 3 days after the event.
American Airlines
Book your air travel to Vancouver with American Airlines and receive a 5% discount. Enter the special promotional code 3470BC when booking your reservations. Go to www.aa.com to get started.
What is the closest airport to WEC Vancouver?
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) it is located approximately 7 miles from downtown Vancouver, which is about a 15 minute taxi ride.
Taxi - Located outside the arrivals terminal on the lower level. Cost: approximately $30 CAN. USD accepted as well as credit cards.
Sedan: $39 CAN
Limo: $45 CAN (6 people); $70 CAN (8 people)
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.