From the Editor: What Friendship is All About

Photo courtesy of IMEX America

A little more than a year ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ray Bloom and Carina Bauer of the IMEX Group, and had an epiphany about friendship.

We had known each for some time given the very special bond between our organizations. As strategic partners, a relationship now in its eighth year, our two organizations had worked together on a number of common goals, primarily around education and other programs aligned with the annual mega IMEX trade shows in Frankfurt, Germany, and Las Vegas. We shared common ideals on the value of face-to-face meetings and the importance of giving industry professionals a platform for business exchanges.

Ray and Carina have always been professional and cordial in our interactions. They genuinely care about the industry and the professionals in our business.

So when MPI honored Ray with the Industry Leadership Award at our 2017 World Education Congress (WEC), it provided an opportunity to delve deeper into their moxie, that unwavering passion, motivation and enthusiasm which drives them to always strive for excellence.

Through every interview and interaction with Ray, his wife Claudine, Carina, some of their personal friends and many of their professional friends and colleagues, I learned there is no pretentiousness here. Modestly, humility, a bit of bashfulness, yes, but always exuding confidence, respect and compassion whether you are new to the industry, a probing journalist or a longtime friend.

I learned this about Ray and Carina: They sincerely care. They are more than just industry associates. They are our friends and they are friends to the meeting and event industry.

As we prepare to gather in Las Vegas next month for IMEX America, the largest trade show and hosted buyer program in the U.S., it is the depth and fervor of this relationship that inspires both the IMEX Group and MPI to deliver an outstanding program over four days.

Our report, “Creativity and Lasting Connections,” gives insight into Smart Monday powered by MPI, which begins Oct. 14, a day devoted to 20 education sessions covering topics such as designing memorable experiences, leadership, contracting, heat maps, hospitality sales coaching and managing stress in the workplace.

MPI and the IMEX Group will present keynote and masterclass presentations during the show, featuring Julius Solaris (“Legacy: The Power of Events,” Oct. 15), Kelly McDonald (“How to Work With and Lead People Unlike You,” Oct. 16) and Paul Smith (“Lead with a Story,” Oct. 17).

During the trade show, MPI will offer 15 booth education sessions on safety and risk management, inclusive experiences, strategy and business outcomes and more.

The final keynote session on Oct. 18 will hone in on the premise that experimentation fosters a culture of innovation with a C2 speaker guiding attendees through an atypical brainstorming session during the “Emotions and Technology: An Exploration of Audience Connection.”

Our approach to IMEX America aligns with a recently unveiled slogan that reflects our relationship with the IMEX Group - Stronger & Smarter Together.

It is a theme befitting of the commitment to our industry shown by both teams, and a tribute to the devotion, support and commitment of Ray and Carina.

That, I would say, is what friendship is all about.

Until next time…

Rich Luna
Editor in Chief
rluna@mpiweb.org