MPI Unveils Unique Networking Opportunities for World Education Congress in Atlantic City
April 18, 2016
Meeting Professionals International and host city partners Meet AC and Caesars Entertainment have unveiled several unique and exciting networking opportunities at this year’s World Education Congress (WEC) in Atlantic City.
MPI is offering a new registration option – the WEC Networking Package – that grants exclusive entry to all four evening events, including the MPI Foundation’s Rendezvous, which will be headlined by the Grammy® Award-winning band Train.
“Year after year, attendees tell us how valuable WEC is for growing their professional networks,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI.
He added, “We understand how critical networking is to the business of meeting and event planning, so we offer an array of opportunities for our attendees to connect. This year, we believe the new networking package will be especially popular with the supplier community.”
In addition, the association has created the Meeting Ambassador Program (MAP) to help attendees make the most of their WEC 2016 experience.
MPI will pair up any interested attendee (mentee/explorer) who would like tips and advice for navigating the conference with a past WEC attendee (ambassador/navigator).
The program includes the MAP Meet and Greet Reception, MAP Lounge and WEC For Me session. Attendees are encouraged to sign up early for the program during online registration.
“As your WEC host, Meet AC has worked very hard to enhance your social netwo king opportunities, while also experiencing Atlantic City to its fullest,” said Jim Wood, president and CEO of Meet AC. “As the industry continues to grow, the networking events are crucial to attend and connect with professionals on a personal level.”
Here are more details on WEC 2016 evening networking events:
Opening Night Celebration – Attendees will sample exceptional cuisine from more than 20 local restaurants at the Bally’s Atlantic City Beach Bar, located near the Atlantic Ocean. Hosted by Caesars Entertainment, this beach party is scheduled for 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11th. Afterwards, WEC attendees may continue socializing from 10 p.m. to midnight at the iconic Steel Pier amusement park.
The Big Deal – Presented by the MPI Foundation, this official World Series of Poker satellite tournament will take place June 12 in the Palladium Ballroom at Caesars Atlantic City. WEC attendees not playing in the tournament will enjoy networking, music, dancing, raffles, games and more thanks to presenting sponsors Caesars Entertainment and Encore Event Technologies.
Rendezvous – This MPI Foundation signature networking and fundraising event is slated June 13 at WAV, a new nightclub on Atlantic City’s waterfront opening this spring at The Playground Pier at Caesars Atlantic City. The event will feature a performance by Train, the band best known for its popular singles, “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Marry Me,” and “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me).” The presenting sponsors for Rendezvous are Meet AC and Team San Jose.
Closing Night Celebration – Hosted by Meet AC and Caesars Entertainment, this closing party will be held June 14 at The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. It will be deejayed by dance/pop music creator Redfoo of LMFAO.
“Caesars Entertainment is thrilled to be hosting the Opening Night Celebration at Bally’s Beach Bar, The Big Deal at Caesars Atlantic City and the Closing Night Celebration at The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s. We’re all in the business of face-to-face meetings, and we understand that networking with our peers is a valuable and inspiring experience, said Michael Massari, senior vice president of national meetings and events at Caesars Entertainment. “Wehad the pleasure of being able to work with the city and MEET AC, to coordinate these exciting opportunities for the attendees of WEC 2016 to network and connect.”
Additional opportunities for networking included in WEC 2016 full registration are an all-attendee lunch on Sunday, the RISE Awards Lunch on Monday, the WEC 2017 Preview Lunch on Tuesday, and MarketSquare and volunteer/corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities available throughout WEC.
Funds raised from MPI Foundation events and the MPI Foundation Not-So-Silent Auction, which is open May 16–June 14, will be invested in scholarships, grants and pan-industry research. Last year, the foundation provided 230 scholarships, including 60 that helped MPI members attend WEC 2015.
WEC 2016 is scheduled for June 11–14, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. To learn more and register, visit www.mpiweb.org/wec16.
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
Add new comment