MPI selects Atlantic City for 2016 WEC

AMERICAS – Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is to take its 2016 World Education Congress (WEC) to Atlantic City, New Jersey. The conference will be held 11-14 June, 2016, at the Harrah’s Atlantic City Waterfront Conference Center, a Caesars Entertainment property. MPI announced its plans with Meet AC and Caesars Entertainment at a press conference in Atlantic City featuring Mayor Don Guardian and local dignitaries. The announcement follows the result of a competitive request for proposal (RFP). Held annually, WEC is MPI’s signature event through which it delivers premier education, business and networking opportunities, attracting 2,000 attendees. The association had initially planned to hold WEC 2016 in Philadelphia, but recently switched the location due to changes in the space available for the conference. Next year will be the first time MPI has hosted a conference in Atlantic City and the first time in the State of New Jersey. Located on the Jersey Shore, Atlantic City is a resort city known for its casino hotels, beach and entertainment. The city annually attracts more than 25m visitors to its shores for both business and pleasure. Scheduled for completion in August 2015, the new Harrah’s Atlantic City Waterfront Conference Center will offer 9,290sqm of meeting space. “We look forward to hosting our World Education Congress in Atlantic City next year,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI. “When selecting venues for MPI events, we look for destinations that provide great infrastructure, world-class facilities and memorable experiences. Having grown up spending my summers on the Jersey Shore, I am excited for the opportunity to showcase this unique and beautiful destination to our community.” “Showcasing Atlantic City to over 1,000 meeting planners and over 2,000 total attendees will definitely help us grow the meetings and conventions market,” said Jim Wood, president and CEO of Meet AC. Michael Massari, senior vice-president of Caesars Entertainment National Meetings and Events added: “This decision validates Atlantic City as a serious contender as a meetings destination for meeting planners across the country. Caesars Entertainment has a long and treasured partnership with MPI, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome MPI’s members to Atlantic City and to Harrah’s next summer.” This year WEC takes place 1-4, August 2015, in San Francisco at the Moscone Center.