As the largest association representing the global meeting and events industry, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is focused on supporting the professional development of our members, developing innovative programs for our community, raising the awareness of our industry and fighting inequality and human trafficking.
We are dedicated to supporting our members and increasing the value of engaging with the MPI Community. As I approach my sixth anniversary with MPI, I look to the future excited by our positive momentum and confidence in our strategic priorities targeted to support our community and our industry in 2019 including:
Expanding our professional development offerings and educational partnerships through industry-leading programs such as:
- Master’s Degree Program with San Diego State University. Partnering with San Diego State University, MPI will launch the first graduate-level degree program in the United States for meeting and event management; incorporating experiential learning, simulations, and industry partner mentoring.
- Collaboration with New York University. MPI will collaborate with the NYU School of Professional Studies (NYUSPS) Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality on the design of a graduate-level course titled “Convention and Exhibition Management.”
- Partnership with the University of Virginia Darden Executive Education. By partnering with the University of Virginia, MPI offers courses from Darden’s Specialization in Design Thinking and Innovation program to the MPI community at discounted rates. The online, hands-on training courses were developed to provide leadership tools and teach design thinking. We will also partner with Darden to deliver the Strategy and Execution Executive Forum pre-conference session at WEC.
- Enhancing programs with the Indiana University Kelly School of Business. Collaborating with the Indiana University Kelly School of Business, its executive education program, and the IUPI Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management, MPI will continue to deliver the enhanced Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) Program.
Increased investment in our Volunteer Leaders and Chapter network: We will continue to invest in the tools, resources, and infrastructure to support our volunteer leaders and our chapters; including enhancements in our chapter leader training and the implementation of a standardized financial management tool.
- MPI Foundation. The MPI Foundation propels the meeting and event industry by funding the professional development of our members, as well as innovative research and educational programming. In the past ten years, the MPI Foundation has awarded over $4,000,000 in scholarships and grants directly to our chapters and individual members and is targeting in 2019 to award an additional 300 scholarships valued at over $500,000.
- World Education Congress 2019 (WEC19). MPI will continue to showcase creative ways to re-imagine events. During WEC in Toronto June 15-18, attendees will experience state-of-the-art event design, unparalleled education, and productive networking.
- Growing our international community. Through partnering with local MPI chapters and select industry-leading organizations, MPI will continue to strengthen our presence and expand our community in Europe, Canada, Asia and Latin American, including making significant investments in education, events and member support in Europe and Canada.
And we are telling the story of the power of the Meeting and Event industry while striving to make MPI, the meeting industry and the world a better, more equitable place for women and every group of people that are marginalized in any way:
- Diversity and inclusion. As our membership is a diverse community, including nearly 80% women and citizens of more than 70 countries, we continue to be on the forefront of gender equality, support of women leadership and raising awareness of the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at all live events. In 2018, the MPI’s Women’s Advisory Board was created to offer guidance and direction to MPI on a variety of critical women issues leading to the development of Women Leadership programs, enhancements to MPI’s Principles of Professionalism and the implementation of a sexual harassment hotline. I look forward to a continued positive impact in 2019.
- Stronger partnerships with key industry organizations to amplify our voice: In 2019, we will continue to strengthen our partnerships and collaborations with key organizations including IMEX, Destinations International (DI), International Association of Exhibition and Events (IAEE), International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), Events Industry Council (EIC), International Meetings Means Business, Society for Travel Incentive (SITE), and the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), as together we tell the story of the many positive impacts of the $1.1 trillion dollar live events industry.
- Advocacy. We continue to advocate for key initiatives that impact the travel industry, including stopping sexual harassment at live events and raising awareness of and combatting the horrors of human trafficking. Additionally, we will work to elevate our platform and expertise to the community, including hosting a 12-hour live broadcast featuring education activities from our chapters, association partners and industry leaders on Global Meetings Industry Day, April 4.
With the continued engagement of our community, passion, and involvement of our volunteers and the strategic vision of our International Board of Directors, the future is bright at MPI. I look forward to connecting with many of you, as working together we strive to bring awareness and raise the professionalism of this incredible industry in which we work, for…. “when we meet, we change the world.”
Paul Van Deventer
President and CEO
Meeting Professionals International
Stop Planning Meetings, Start Designing Shared Experiences.
Register for WEC19 today!
