Post-Con Report: MPI WEC
Attendees take a break at The Hub. Photo: MPI
Meeting Professionals International held its annual World Education Congress in St. Louis last week at America’s Center Convention Complex. Keynote speakers included Jonah Lehrer and Nicholas Cristakis, and education sessions covered a range of industry topics. One of the key sessions for corporate meeting planners was the “SMMP Stands for ‘So Much More than Procurement’” session, led by Lindsay Seth, director of SMMP at MCI. Participants heard why a Strategic Meetings Management Program is worth the long-term commitment it demands. “SMM is like a little black dress. It goes from morning to evening, and can be casual or dressy,” Seth said. “No two LBDs are the same, but everybody needs to have one. In the same way, everyone needs to have an SMM program in place tailored to their organizations.” Every company should implement an SMMP because it gives the ability to manage and leverage spend while developing a brand and ultimately saving the company money.
The event also featured mini education sessions and a networking area dubbed The Hub. The other big news that came from the event was a new partnership between MPI and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. MPI also recognized its annual award winners at the Recognizing Industry Success and Excellence program for individuals, MPI communities and organizations. RISE Awards were presented to Amanda Cecil, Ph.D., assistant professor at Indiana University; Ray Bloom, CMM, chairman of the IMEX Group; Jillian Schroeder, event coordinator for Midwest Horse Fair; MPI Tampa Bay Area Chapter; MPI Tennessee Chapter; and Royal DSM.
