Each year, MPI sends greetings for the holiday season to our members, colleagues and partners.  Those e-cards are always designed by one of our award-winning designers.  This year, however, one designer had an even greater impact on our holiday card.  Jason Judy not only designed our card, but also influenced the selection of our charity this year. After Jason told me the story about one of his mission trips, and an organization that he had encountered I was moved, and so was everyone here at headquarters who has learned about Meds and Foods for Kids.  So I thought it would be great for all of our readers and members to better understand why we made this selection, and to hear from Jason about his experience with the group.

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Last spring I witnessed the remarkable impact of Meds and Foods for Kids (MFK Haiti) in a small village 6 hours south of their facility in Cape Haitian, Haiti. Their revolutionary product, Medika Mamba (“peanut butter medicine”), is farmed and manufactured locally, requires no refrigeration or water, and has an 85% recovery rate in malnourished children under the age of 5. So not only is their work addressing one of the most tragic issues that we face as human beings, it is doing so with a sustainable, economic model within the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Photos and charts in the open-air clinics carry all of the proof. In just 6 weeks, many of the children hardly resemble the former versions of themselves, having gained the necessary weight to repair their muscles and organs and return home fully healed from the deadly condition they had when they arrived. The transformations are truly hard to believe.

More Medika Mamba desperately needs to exist. The current expansion project at MFK Haiti includes a new factory that will increase their reach from 8,000 to 80,000 children annually, while also becoming completely self-sustaining by 2015.

I’ll never forget seeing the Medika Mamba program in Montrouis, Haiti, and I’m proud to be part of an association that is willing to participate in the great work happening through MFK Haiti. In big and small ways, it’s the decisions and efforts of all of our members, volunteers and staff that tell the complete story of our shared impact on our industry and the world.

And so maybe it really is true, that when we meet we change the world.

-Jason

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Serving a diverse European audience with a demanding appetite for learning and networking, EMEC 2012 will connect inventive thinkers inside and outside the industry at this annual conference held by Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Event delegates will experience, and experiment with, new meeting design formats and educational opportunities as never before. This enables them to take the time to explore new ideas and theories in a risk-free environment with colleagues before putting innovative new strategies into action.

Those delegates needing to channel their entrepreneurial spirit will enjoy hearing from Sahar Hashemi, a British entrepreneur and the co-founder of Coffee Republic, who developed a £30 million turnover business. She first introduced the tea-drinking British market to U.S.-like coffee consumerism, has started innovative venture Skinny Candy and advises thousands of new business start-ups each year. But it’s Hashemi’s outlook on innovation in modern business that will prove most insightful for delegates, enabling them to look for unique opportunities they can leverage in their own business and leadership practices.

Hashemi won’t be the only innovator on the main stage. Catch ground-breaking, Hungarian musical innovator Balázs Havasi—fresh from performing for 200 million at the Shanghai Expo. A TED global presenter and Guinness World Record holder, Havasi is known for his “most piano key hits in one minute” set at the Academy of Music Budapest and is described as an ambitiously thoughtful pianist and songwriter with a unique perspective when it comes to “re-imagined innovation.”

Delegates who aren’t regular members of MPI will have a unique opportunity to experience some of the programming that takes place at the chapter level.  MPI capitalises on its chapters’ exceptional programmes, and has selected two from its “Best of the Best” competition to appear at EMEC. MPI France presents Mike Clanton and “Don’t Let Your Event’s Technology Zombie Control You!” focusing on successfully planning and executing technology-dependent events. Meanwhile MPI Netherlands brings Dr. Xander Kranenburg and “Beyond Digital Creativity - Mashup all your ideas,” with insights on techniques and tools that help professionals work more efficiently and enhance creative events.

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? 

During a traditionally busy time of the year for individuals, businesses and events, anticipation is building at MPI not just for the upcoming holiday season, but also for the Latin American Meeting & Event Conference (LAMEC) in Sao Paulo this December 12.

The MPI Brazil Chapter and partners are pulling together an exceptional event targeted at building long-term business relationships with buyers and suppliers who value the meeting, event and business opportunities that Brazil has to offer.  The recently released schedule of events and education demonstrates the ongoing MPI & LAMEC commitment to provide compelling professional development and business opportunities to support the global meetings and events industry.

The dynamic educational component of this event offers opportunities for discussion around some of the most important topics facing our industry globally and in Brazil.  An in-depth session on how Saphire Now (SAP) managed the most successful hybrid event to date, covering two continents and seven cities with thousands of delegates.  Session from the MPI Global Training program that address the rapidly evolving needs of meeting and business event professionals and how to understand the new globally accepted and recently released Meeting and Business Events Competency Standards (MBECS).

The programming throughout the event continues to build on critical skills around technology, economic indicators and impact and brand building platforms.  The Primary general sessions are even uniquely designed to address issues not only relevant to Brazil but events around the globe.  Mid-day delegates should be prepared for a robust debate between various event designers on how to attract larger audiences and build communities.  Then to wrap the day delegates will benefit from the lessons learn and best practices developed over three continents from experts who have managed the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.  Panelists for the closing session will be attending in-person and virtually.

Delegates will benefit from this diverse offering of professional development, and the camaraderie found amongst hundreds of their peers seeking to enhance the industry in Brazil and grow their businesses.  Truly an event to look forward to, register for and be sure to attend.

I come from a family with a long history of serving in the military and I'm quite proud of them. As an American there's a sense of pride in knowing the men and women in my genealogy have always had a spirit of service and sacrifice, from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts and wars. They've served state-side, throughout Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim defending what they felt were just causes.

I find it inspirational to know that countries around the world today, including Canada, Belgium, France, Poland and others are taking time to recognize veterans and the struggle for independence. I'm proud of my colleagues and friends here at Meeting Professionals International who have also served their countries. A team member in our Member Services is an active reservist and others have served various branches in their past.

As a small token of appreciation to our international family of veterans, our team here at MPI are leaving notes of thanks in our break room today.  What are you doing to mark this day?  Is there someone you'd like to recognize?  Feel free to leave a note below.

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!

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

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. 

If you’re following the twitter and facebook conversations, you know there is a lot of excitement building up for WEC 2011. Thinking ahead to 2012, St. Louis is building excitement for their turn as WEC host with a promotional lunch at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26. St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission president Kathleen “Kitty” Ratcliffe will kick the lunch off with an overview of the Midwestern hospitality attendees can expect. If you’re not energized then, you will be when you see the main act: comic headliner and St. Louis native Kathleen Madigan!

Not only is Kathleen an American Comedy best female stand-up winner, she is a regular with late-night giants Jay Leno and David Letterman and performed standup specials with HBO and Comedy Central. Her style is unpretentious, with a straight-forward delivery and wit that will have attendees on their feet. We’re excited to welcome Kathleen Madigan to WEC in Orlando, and hope to see all attendees there enjoying a laugh and finding out more about WEC 2012 in St. Louis, because when you register for WEC 2012 in Orlando, you receive $100 discount!

The St. Louis Lunch requires a reservation, so update your registration now. If you have already completed registration, you are able to use the confirmation you received to add the St. Louis lunch. Then get a preview of what you can expect in Kathleen’s act from the below video.