In response to inquiries from its members, many of whom have asked it to clarify its involvement with IMEX America, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has published a new informational page on its website detailing the differences between IMEX America and the World Education Conference (WEC), MPI's signature annual event, it announced yesterday.
Taking place Oct. 11-13, 2011, in Las Vegas, the first IMEX America — the new American version of the meetings trade show that takes place annually in Frankfurt — was announced in October 2009 with MPI as its educational partner. Although it will feature content and programming provided by MPI, however, IMEX America will not replace WEC, which takes place July 23-26, 2011, in Orlando.
"As an association of 23,000+ members around the world, we know not everyone is reached by our annual signature event, and we're committed to providing our content to our members in as many meaningful ways as possible," reads an explanation on MPI's website. "As such, in addition to our own live events, MPI has become the strategic partner of the inaugural IMEX America conference. At IMEX America MPI will deliver a unique educational experience, which will include exclusive, high-level educational sessions with world-renowned keynote speakers."
To help meeting professionals understand the differences between IMEX America and WEC, MPI has published answers to a series of frequently asked questions, as well as a downloadable PDF comparison chart. For more information, and to access both, visit www.mpiweb.org/Events/HostedBuyer.