Boasting more than 4,500 attendees from 33 countries, the Meetings Professionals International (MPI) 2008 World Education Congress held recently in Las Vegas was the largest global gathering of event professionals in the organisation’s history.

During the event, MPI inspired its members with elevated content, new programmes, exciting announcements, expansive networking and enhanced corporate social responsibility initiatives. 

Upholding an ongoing commitment to a richer educational experience, MPI delivered more than 100 knowledge sessions designed to enhance professional skills and increase member success. An enhanced marketplace experience also leveraged creative concepts initially pioneered at MPI’s MeetDifferentSM event in February, featuring open environments and connection spots as an alternative to the traditional trade show.

“MPI members have a thirst for knowledge and business opportunities in an increasingly competitive environment,” said Bruce MacMillan, MPI chief executive and president. “We created a transformational event. According to preliminary survey results, over 94% of our members felt this event would improve their job performance and productivity. Moreover, they confirmed that WEC was a worthwhile investment in their career. We are grateful for our partnership with the Las Vegas community and look forward to carrying the success of this event to Salt Lake City in July of 2009.”

During the opening general session, MacMillan unveiled MPI’s new magazine, One +TM, which evokes MPI’s revitalized brand message: connecting members to knowledge, relationships, and marketplaces.

“Our membership’s response has been overwhelmingly positive,” the magazine’s editor in chief David Basler. “Readers have immediately embraced the new magazine, excited about the thought-provoking, co-created content that is igniting conversations around the world.”