Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has confirmed the location of the 2011 World Education Congress (WEC) in Orlando, Fla. from July 23-26, 2011. The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), the second largest convention space in the U.S., will host MPI’s signature educational conference while showcasing their socially responsible venue.
“We are thrilled to bring WEC 2011 to a city like Orlando with such a rich history in corporate social responsibility,” said Bruce MacMillan, president and chief executive officer of MPI. “MPI will bring the latest in technology, strategic meeting management, CSR initiatives and education to bolster the evolution of our industry to Orlando.”
MPI chose the OCCC as a venue after careful consideration of its selection criteria and corporate social responsibility bid element; including overall community commitment to key CSR principles. For example, the OCCC boasts the largest solar array in the southeastern U.S. and donates more than one million in products from conferences to local charities annually.
“We are rolling out the green carpet for WEC attendees,” said Kathie Canning, deputy general manager of the OCCC. “Orlando has enjoyed a long lasting and successful relationship with MPI and it was an easy decision to present our new CSR initiatives for meeting planners at WEC.”
In addition to education for meeting planners, MPI will continue the MPI Hosted Buyer Program, which recently received a 98 percent satisfaction level with suppliers. The Hosted Buyer Program will accompany a variety of business marketplaces and networking opportunities throughout Orlando.
“Orlando is honored to host this prestigious event and to showcase all that Orlando has added to its meetings offerings,” said Gary Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. “Orlando is a destination built on creativity and imagination and we are confident that Congress attendees will find a great deal of inspiration during the Orlando show and throughout their stay in our destination.”
