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
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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