DALLAS (December 12, 2008) MPI advances its newly activated Global Knowledge Plan through upcoming international events – the European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) and the Gulf Meetings and Events Conference (GMEC). Over 700 delegates from around the world are set to convene for EMEC in Torino, Italy, March 1?3, 2009. The second annual Gulf Meetings and Events Conference is scheduled for March 28?29, 2009 in Abu Dhabi. Attendees will take home real world solutions for succeeding in today’s tough economic environment.

Building on the resounding success of the inaugural event in Dubai, the Gulf Meetings and Events Conference is scheduled to run just before the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) 2009, in partnership with the exhibition. The conference will deliver to the region and to those interested in doing business in the region, a unique program of education, professional development, and networking opportunities. It will also mark the beginning of a week-long focus on the meetings and events industry sector, culminating with the GIBTM conference.

The European Meetings and Events Conference provides meetings and events professionals with the tools and skills needed to succeed in today’s global marketplace. The conference will deliver ground?breaking education and provide attendees with a forum to network and dialogue thoughtfully about the current challenges facing the industry.

Commenting on EMEC, Bruce MacMillan, president and CEO of MPI said: “We are thrilled to bring the conference back to Italy after ten years. Torino’s city infrastructure and sustainability has benefited from over €1.1 billion investment from the United Nations Environment Program as well as the 2004 Olympic Winter Games making it an ideal place to hold an event.” With an overarching theme of ‘Connect to Passion,’ MPI has organized a full educational program of keynote addresses, workshops, panels, and interactive sessions focussing on the economic challenges and opportunities facing the global meetings industry from an operational and management perspective.

Key highlights of the program, which feature more than 35 educational sessions, include:

   Tough Times: How Global Markets Impact You
          o Daniel Thorniley, Senior Vice President, Economist Group
    Leading Tomorrow’s Workforce in Today’s World
          o Paul Bridle, Leadership Methodologist
    New Technology Trends Transforming the Industry
          o Corbin Ball, Corbin Ball Associates
    The Best Way to Beat a Recession is to Sell Your Way Out of It
          o Mike Southon, Business Guru, Author and Journalist

Marcella Gaspardone, Managing Director of Torino Convention Bureau, said: “We are honored that MPI has chosen Torino for the most important event in the European meetings industry. MPI is displaying a great vote of confidence in our city’s ability to organise events, and show the important role that Torino plays in the industry.”

Registration to the MPI European Meetings & Events Conference has now opened on the MPI Website. Delegates can also take the opportunity to book their flights with official airline partner Lufthansa at special rates.

For additional information on the Gulf Meetings & Events Conference, please visit the GMEC Website.

About MPI:

Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the meetings and events industry’s largest and most vibrant global community, helps our members thrive by providing human connections to knowledge and ideas, relationships, and marketplaces. MPI membership is comprised of more than 24,000 members belonging to 70 chapters and clubs worldwide. For additional information, visit mpiweb.org.

Lauren Manford
Meeting Professionals International
(972) 702?3044
LManford@mpiweb.org

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