Home Meeting Planner Resources MPI Drives Education at IMEX America

MPI Drives Education at IMEX America

October 21, 2026

MPI delivered keynote speakers and a full education program at IMEX America 2026, continuing a partnership with IMEX that spans more than 15 years.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to education and career development while strengthening IMEX America’s role as a gathering place for the global meetings and events community.

“Our work at IMEX America reflects what meeting professionals need today: relevant education, stronger connections and practical support for the decisions they make every day,” said Paul Van Deventer, MPI President and CEO in a media release. “Together with IMEX, we are helping professionals develop throughout their careers and equipping them to demonstrate the value of the experiences they create.”

Education, Keynotes and Industry Insights

MPI welcomed nearly 3,000 participants to Smart Monday, the education day preceding the opening of the trade show floor. The program featured 24 sessions and 26 hours of education aligned with the CMP International Standards, covering RFPs and contracting, experiential design, attendee engagement, leadership, strategic thinking, inclusion, belonging and accessibility.

MPI also sourced three keynote speakers addressing connection, leadership and client relationships:

Caitlin Krause, experience designer and founder of MindWise, presented “Empowered Connection in a Digitally Layered Landscape” during Smart Monday. Sponsored by Visit Anaheim, the session explored how human-centered technology can support well-being, creativity and meaningful connection.
Shawn Harper, former NFL offensive lineman, corporate CEO and author, presented “The Winner’s Mindset: A Proactive Approach to Business in Uncertain Times.” Sponsored by New Orleans & Co. in partnership with Damon Brooks & Associates, the keynote focused on preparation, adaptability and purpose in uncertain times.
Neen James, leadership strategist and author of Exceptional Experiences, presented “Exceptional Experiences: Drive Revenue by Transforming Client Relationships.” Sponsored by Visit Walnut Creek, the session examined how practices before, during and after events can strengthen client relationships, build advocacy and support business growth.

MPI’s quarterly Meetings Outlook research, conducted in partnership with IMEX, offered further insight into industry conditions. In the third-quarter 2026 findings, 60% of respondents expected favorable business conditions over the following year, while 61% anticipated growth in live attendance. Another 73% said purposeful event design would be very important or essential to achieving business outcomes over the next two years.

In addition, MPI and IMEX are developing a revamped Future Leaders Lab to broaden the industry’s talent pool. The initiative aims to attract students from economics, finance, events, hospitality and tourism, while expanding the program’s global reach.

MPI Foundation & EMEC

IMEX America remains a major fundraising opportunity for the MPI Foundation, which supports scholarships, industry grants, research and professional development.

“IMEX America continues to be our largest fundraising week, with multiple events commencing Sunday through Thursday,” said Richard Allchild, 2026 MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees chair and head of North America sales for IMEX Group.

This year’s activities raised more than $700,000 through a silent auction; the IMEX Topgolf TEE Party; Meet in Ireland Golf Outing; the invitation-only Red, White & You dinner hosted by MGM Resorts and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority; and the IMEX Rendezvous, held in partnership with Caesars Entertainment at Soleia Beach at the Vanderpump hotel.

Meanwhile, registration is open for MPI’s European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC), Feb. 20–23, 2027, in Galway, Ireland, and World Education Congress (WEC), June 28–30, 2027, in Las Vegas.

EMEC will offer regional perspectives on the priorities, challenges and cultures shaping the continent’s meetings and events community. Both conferences will provide education and networking opportunities for industry professionals.