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
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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