MPI WEC returns to Las Vegas, with inspiration from Magic Johnson

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has prepared a ‘Magic’ welcome delegates to its World Education Congress (WEC) in Las Vegas, 19-22 June. Delegates will hear a keynote message from basketball legend Magic Johnson, as well as being able to choose from more than 70 education sessions. Johnson will share lessons from how the ‘Showtime’ Lakers reshaped the NBA experience for fans that are relevant to designing experiences in meetings. The education programme will be delivered via eight focus areas: Event Marketing; Event Operations; Legal Procurement & Compliance; Personal & Career Development; Security & Risk Management; Technology & Big Data; Transforming Yourself from Planner to Producer; and Transforming Yourself from Supplier to Partner. Attendees can earn up to 13.5 clock hours during the conference this year. In addition, the MPI Academy is offering pre-conference sessions, including the new Women in Leadership and Emergency Preparedness for Meetings and Events courses as well as the Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC), CMP Master Class, and Basics Boot Camp: Meeting Fundamentals courses; additional fees and registration are required for each session. “We have designed the programme to stimulate the senses and inspire attendees to think beyond the ballroom,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI. Other keynotes include spiritual leader and author Deepak Chopra (pictured), former stand up comedian Ron Tite and serial entrepreneur Sarah Prevette. There will also be a Conversation with Bruce Mau on what it takes to stop planning meetings and start designing experiences. Mau is chief design officer at Freeman and the co-founder and CEO of Massive Change Network. On 21 June WEC 2017 will showcase Michael Cerbelli’s The Hot List: 2017 2.0, a session delivering event production education and identifying fresh trends in the ever-changing marketplace. Cerbelli has produced prestigious events such as the Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a birthday party for the King of Morocco, and a signature event at the palace of Catherine the Great in St Petersburg, Russia.  This year marks the fourth time MPI has held its annual conference in Las Vegas and the first time MPI will use two venues for the general sessions. The WEC 2017 Opening General Session will take place at the new Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, followed by the Opening Night Celebration at The Park. The other general sessions will be held in the Marquee Ballroom at MGM Grand. To learn more and register, visit: