MPI welcomes Nevada re-opening as it prepares for WEC Vegas and 1,500 attendees in-person in June

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has said it anticipated the Nevada governor’s announcement (reported by CMW 15 April) for a full, 100% reopening of the state’s convention facilities from 1 June, and is ready to run its annual North American signature event in Las Vegas. The association stressed it would maintain strict safety disciplines at its World Education Congress (WEC) event. MPI is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide and has  advised that it will continue to carry forward the Duty of Care attendee safety practices debuted at its November 2020 WEC Grapevine, which brought more than 600 in-person attendees and resulted in zero attributed Covid-19 cases. “Our state health officials are comfortable setting a goal for a full reopening to 100% capacity on 1 June,” governor Sisolak said at his press conference in Carson City on 13 April. “A safe and responsible reopening is a path forward to bringing back conventions and getting Nevadans back to work.”  He also urged Nevada’s residents to remain vigilant by wearing a mask and getting the vaccine. “Based on conversations with local and state officials, we anticipated this announcement and remain confident with progress being made, both nationally and locally, that ensures WEC Vegas is a milestone in the business events industry’s comeback,” said Paul Van Deventer, MPI president and CEO. “Rest assured, our attendees’ safety and health remain the top priority at WEC Vegas; which is consistent with our past, present and future operational focus. “This is an incredible opportunity for MPI and our industry to meet the pent-up demand of a community of individuals whose entire sense of purpose was disrupted for a full calendar year,” Van Deventer added. “Imagine the excitement surrounding the first event back in 2021 while offering an experience where our attendees can make their future.” MPI continues to collaborate with its WEC Vegas host facility, CAESARS FORUM, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority on finalising plans for the upcoming event. Initial estimates forecast approximately 1,500 in-person attendees and an additional 1,500 digital participants. “Southern Nevada’s tourism industry took another important step forward with governor Sisolak’s confidence Las Vegas can safely allow full occupancy at all venues starting 1 June,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in a statement responding to the governor’s announcement. “The wide availability and rapid administration of vaccines will allow our valued events industry to reconvene with confidence and in its entirety. Las Vegas will continue providing the gold standard for health, wellness and safety precautions for the benefit of its workforce, the community and our visitors.” For more information on WEC Vegas visit mpi.org/wecVegas. To read details on the event Duty of Care, ensuring attendee safety, click here.  Watch also here CMW’s video session with Paul Cook, the executive producer of MPI’s EMEC digital event co-ordinated to run alongside the Las Vegas global WEC.