Log in to your account
 
Industry Careers
  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 04/09/2013 • 0 Comments

    Best Practices to Enhance Delegate Experiences

    The following is a guest blog from Dr. Eliza Hixson, a professor at the International Centre for Research in Events, Tourism and Hospitality at Leeds Metropolitan University (ICRETH) and one of the lead researchers on MPI’s Strategic Meetings Management project.

    Dr. Eliza Hixson

    Dr. Eliza Hixson

    I often tell students that event management is like juggling, because there are so many elements to consider. You have to make sure you take into account all stakeholders in the process and be mindful of their perspectives and what they are aiming to achieve. At the same time, you need to make sure you provide a quality event experience to the participants. This can be very tricky, especially when trying to strategically manage events. 

    The Strategic Meetings Management (SMM) resource center has been created as part of an MPI Foundation study and produced by the ICRETH team alongside Betsy Bondurant of Bondurant Consulting and Peggy Hemphill of Your Corporate Source. The center provides a succinct way of viewing meetings and explains how you can make the most out of your events whether you are a buyer, supplier, planner or intermediary. It illustrates that the key features of SMM are supply-chain management, procurement, centralization of processes, meeting quality/participant experience and executive sponsorship. This center highlights several key developments for SMM, including the need to be more focused on the delegate experience. As Lisa English of Cvent believes, “We need to get people engaged and get the most ROI from a meeting experience.”

    The center, produced after a thorough review of more than 100 resources—including white papers, reports and case studies as well as interviews with practitioners—demonstrates how you can reduce costs and increase value by implementing best practice strategies. The MPI SMM resource center contains loads of resources that can help you to understand SMM and how you can implement it for your events. Whether you have an established SMM program, are just starting to embark upon the journey or have never heard of SMM before, the SMM resource center suggests several ways to gain the best strategic outcomes from your meetings. We hope you enjoy reading and get SMM-inspired.



  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 10/09/2012 • 0 Comments

    Support the Industry by Attending PURERendezvous at IMEX America

    On Wednesday, October 10, at 10 p.m./22.00, the MPI Foundation will host PURERendezvous—The IMEX America Night! Proceeds from the event will help fund important educational scholarships, grants and research benefiting MPI members and the meetings and events industry.

    The event will be held at one of America's premier nightclubs, PURE, and with thousands of IMEX America buyers and suppliers expected to attend, it will be a prime opportunity to expand your network, mixing with the industry's best and brightest.

    Not attending the IMEX America show? No problem. You can still purchase a ticket to PURERendezvous.

    To support the MPI Foundation by purchasing a ticket, visit: www.mpifoundation.org/rendezvous/imex.

    We look forward to seeing you there, and thank you in advance for supporting the MPI Foundation!



  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 09/17/2012 • 0 Comments

    Free MPI Annual Membership Offer to New Planners

    The MPI Foundation offers 12 types of scholarships throughout the year, and there are two in particular that we'd like to highlight today. 

    Offered by Disney Destinations and HelmsBriscoe, Planner Membership scholarships are established for meeting planners who seek a connection to more than 20,000 meeting planners and industry suppliers worldwide. Disney Destinations and HelmsBriscoe will each award three scholarships per month. 

    The scholarships are available for association and corporate meeting planners, and they are for new members only. 

    Please help spread the word about this great opportunity, and encourage your colleagues, associates and friends to apply today. 

    Click here to apply for the Disney Destinations scholarship, and click here to apply for the HelmsBriscoe scholarship.



  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 07/30/2012 • 1 Comments

    The Big Deal 2012 Winners

    The Big Deal last night at WEC was a huge success. After several hours of poker playing, three new winners emerged triumphant. 

    Trevor Lui, director of operations and sustainability for International Centre Toronto, won first place in the tournament. He recently joined the MPI Foundation Canadian Council, and he likes to wear bow ties.

    Cindy Kramer from Aimia, and a guest of Venetian/Palazzo, was the second place winner. Stephanie Bodanyi from Turnaround Management Association had never played before but came away as the third place winner.

    Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who took part in the event. 

    Watch the MPI-TV News coverage of last night's event.

    The Big Deal winners.



  • Posted by Jason Hensel at
    12:00AM 07/25/2012 • 0 Comments

    U.K. Economic Impact Study Under Way

    During his speech at the Britain For Events conference in early July, Micheal Hirst announced the commencement of The U.K. Economic Impact Study (UKEIS).

    The study, which is being overseen by the MPI Foundation, will provide a coherent and precise overview of the U.K. meeting industry—its size, value and importance to the U.K. commercial landscape and economy.

    Following the selection of Leeds Metropolitan University as the research team for the project, the MPI Foundation has confirmed that the study has been activated and research will commence over the summer of 2012, with initial findings to be announced in spring 2013.

    "The UKEIS will be the first study on this scale ever undertaken by the U.K. meetings industry," said Samme Allen, MPI U.K. and Ireland Chapter president and Barbican head of sales. "It will give us an opportunity to demonstrate the sheer size and importance of our industry to both the government and the wider business community. With this data we will be able to lobby for a greater voice in decisions that will affect us, demonstrate why we matter and why more people should listen to what we have to say.

    "To ensure the success of the study, we ask that each and every organisation within the industry become involved, provide data and promote the study through every stage of its progress," she continued. "This study is about all of us, and it is beneficial to all of us. Ultimately, the more people who get involved the more accurate the results will be."

    A study of this scale would not be possible without the engagement of a knowledgeable and professional research organisation. Leeds Metropolitan University was selected for the task following an in-depth tender process. 

    "Leeds Metropolitan University offer the perfect balance of industry knowledge and credibility in research on this scale," said Didier Scaillet, chief development officer for MPI and the MPI Foundation. "Their professional approach to the tender and understanding of our needs clearly established them as the perfect partner for us in this groundbreaking piece of research.

    "Leeds Metropolitan University are however not the only partners vital to the success of the UKEIS," he continued. "This research would not be possible without the significant investment we have received from a select group of farsighted organisations. As sponsors of the UKEIS they have made the research possible and continue to raise its profile across the industry."

    The full list of sponsors for the UKEIS is:

    IHG
    Reed Travel Exhibitions
    Barbican
    Q Hotels
    London & Partners
    Confex
    Meetings & Incentive Travel
    IMEX
    ExCel
    Visit Wales
    Visit Scotland
    Conde Nast
    The Meetings Show UK
    SITE
    ICCA
    SECC

    A full timeline of the research, including initial findings and final results will be announced in the near future.



  • Posted by Veleisa Patton at
    12:00AM 11/04/2011 • 0 Comments

    So Just How Good Was IMEX America?

    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!



  • Posted by Jessie States at
    12:00AM 10/12/2011 • 0 Comments

    Two Meetings, One World

    On Monday at IMEX America, James Musgrave, a senior lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University, identified key CSR trends and perspectives drawn from an analysis of hundreds of studies, policies and papers worldwide—all part of a three-year research project by the MPI Foundation and IHG. 

    A world away, Sir Richard Branson, founder and chairman of Virgin Group, addressed the 2011 SLOW LIFE Symposium, saying that the world faces “the mother of all recessions” unless more is done to encourage the development of renewable energy. SLOW LIFE has convened global thinkers, policy makers and business leaders to accelerate progress toward sustainable business practices in the tourism industry, with a particular focus on supporting small island states.

    Addressing delegates at the third annual Six Senses SLOW LIFE Symposium at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, Branson said that governments had to provide additional incentives to support the adoption of alternative fuel sources.

    “If we don’t have alternative fuels we are going to have the mother of all recessions. The way to kick-start the revolution is to have no tax on all clean energy while slowly increasing tax on dirty energy. We have been diverting our profit from airlines into developing fuel for aircraft that won’t damage the environment.”

    Branson called on European aviation authorities and airports to do more to reduce the aviation industry’s energy emissions and said that the climate change battle is the “biggest entrepreneurial opportunity of our lifetime.

    “Every single ecosystem is in decline. We must revalue how we value our natural assets and how we reduce our consumption patterns. But it is important for all of us to stay positive. Martin Luther King did not get his message across by saying 'I have a nightmare.'"



  • Posted by Veleisa Patton at
    12:00AM 10/06/2011 • 0 Comments

    The Final Countdown to Vegas


    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!


  • Posted by Veleisa Patton at
    12:00AM 09/12/2011 • 0 Comments

    A PURE-ly Vegas Industry Party

    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. 



  • Posted by Veleisa Patton at
    12:00AM 07/24/2011 • 0 Comments

    Not Your Mom's Tee Time

    The sun coming over the horizon as a heron soars over the lake. No, it’s not a turn-of-the-century period movie. It was the scene for the MPI Foundation Players Golf Tournament, where East Coast versus West Coast wasn’t a reference to 90s rap music but to the Ryder Cup-style friendly competition between chairs Richard Harper, Executive VP of Sales with MGM Resorts International and Margaret Moynihan, Director with Deloitte.

    The game began with the shot-gun start from all 18 holes at 7:30 a.m.,  and continued as teams played through, with sponsored holes and a long drive competition, keeping the action and conversations going. Players discussed the ways that MPI Foundation helps the community, referencing scholarship and grants, as well as research, and the sense of community they feel in associating with their peers who value investing in the industry.

    When the dust settled, the East Coast won in points but everyone gained through the networking, sharing and sportsmanship experienced on the beautiful greens at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando. Thank you to all sponsors who contributed to the event; check out players’ feedback on the tourney through the WEC Live Online experience, where pictures and social media are constantly adding to the discussion around WEC 2011. 



  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. Next Page