MPI Overhauls Program for WEC 2018 in Indianapolis

March 6, 2018

 

Visit Indy at 2017 WEC. Credit: Orange Photography

Visit Indy at 2017 WEC. Credit: Orange Photography

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has embraced the concept of experience creation and set aside the traditional plan for its signature event, World Education Congress (WEC) this year. WEC18 will feature high energy pep rallies to kick off and wrap up each day, an open-floor, fluid layout with four connected WEC Villages, more innovative technology and WEC Experience Coaches to help attendees plan their experience prior to the event and to assist with exploration onsite.

The vision for the redesign came about in September 2017 with the help of the #EventCanvas methodology and aligns with MPI’s practice of taking risks so attendees don’t have to with their own meetings. Each WEC Village will bring to life a different theme: Experiential Design, Innovation, Leadership and Social. They will offer customizable networking and business exchange opportunities including supplier showcases and food and beverage relevant to each theme. More than 80 concurrent education sessions will also be delivered throughout the villages to stimulate more intense live learning experiences rather than in meeting rooms located in separate areas.

The MPI Academy received and evaluated nearly 600 speaker proposals to find fresh, unique and relevant education for WEC18. The concurrent education sessions will be delivered in 30, 60 and 90-minute mixed formats — covering topics such as virtual reality, event design, food and beverage trends, ethical challenges, safety and security, and leadership — and all are designed to engage and inspire. Attendees can earn up to 10 clock hours from the concurrent education sessions, plus a few more clock hours from the pep rallies.

In addition, MPI will continue leveraging the well-received theme from WEC 2017, “Stop planning meetings, start designing experiences,” and bring back some program elements that have been popular among past WEC attendees.

WEC18 is scheduled to take place June 2–5, 2018 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. To learn more and register, visit www.mpiweb.org/wec18.

* Note, the keynote speakers for the pep rallies will be announced soon.

Back To Top