MPI and IMEX Group to Deliver Experiential Program at 2018 IMEX America

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the IMEX Group are collaborating to incorporate more experiential activities during IMEX America in Las Vegas October 16-18. This year marks the eighth consecutive year in which MPI serves as the strategic partner and premier education provider for the tradeshow, including powering the Smart Monday program on October 15 – the day before the show floor opens – and presenting the keynotes across the week. In addition, the MPI Foundation will present its largest fundraising and networking event of the year – Rendezvous, the IMEX America Night. The exclusive IMEX-MPI strategic partnership fuses the industry’s two biggest organizations into a one-of-a-kind, unrivaled resource, providing opportunities for meeting professionals to grow smarter and stronger together through year-round activations like those at IMEX America.

Smart Monday powered by MPI will feature new, surprise experiential activities throughout the day as well as 20 education sessions covering topics such as designing memorable experiences, leadership, contracting, heat maps, hospitality sales coaching and managing stress in the workplace. During the tradeshow, the association will offer 15 booth education sessions on safety and risk management, inclusive experiences, strategy and business outcomes, and more – many of which will be facilitated by Jessie States, CMM, head of meeting innovation at MPI, who was recently awarded the 2018 Pacesetter Award by the Events Industry Council. Most of MPI’s education is aligned to CMP International Standards and attendees can earn up to 12.25 clock hours through MPI sessions during the week.

“The keynotes are always an energizing way to start a day of power-learning, power-business and power-networking at IMEX America,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group. “This year’s keynote line-up and C2 masterclass are equally as dynamic and really taps into what’s hot in business and meetings right now – legacy, leadership, experiential formats and storytelling. The goal is for people to walk away with new ideas and inspiration that they can explore, discuss and pursue right in Vegas and long afterwards.”

Additionally, the MPI Academy will deliver three certificate courses including its Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC) Program, which is scheduled for Sunday, October 14 prior to the show, and its Women In Leadership Program on Smart Monday. The academy is also introducing the new Crisis Communications: Anticipate and Communicate Program, a six-hour training course designed to teach meeting professionals how to audit vulnerabilities, create a crisis communications plan, train staff and use social media before, during and after a crisis. This course will be delivered in partnership with Little Bird Told Media, which was founded by Alex Plaxen, recipient of the MPI 2018 RISE Award for Young Professionals;also scheduled on Smart Monday.