MPI’s World Education Congress Heads to Grapevine, Texas in 2020

March 27, 0018

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has selected Grapevine, Texas, as the destination for its World Education Congress (WEC) in 2020.

The association will collaborate with the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau to host the conference, which is scheduled for June 6–9, 2020, at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.

Grapevine is centrally located between Fort Worth and Dallas, where MPI is headquartered.

WEC is MPI’s signature event through which it delivers premier education, business and networking opportunities in North America.

 It attracts more than 2,000 attendees annually, including corporate, third party, and association planners, suppliers, students, industry faculty and more.

MPI follows a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process for its signature events and considers factors such as location benefits, meeting venue facilities, pricing, hotel offerings, destination accessibility, unique options and local support.

“We are elated to partner with the Grapevine CVB to bring WEC to Grapevine in 2020. This is a great opportunity to showcase some of the unique venues and charm of North Texas, which I have had the pleasure of enjoying since relocating here when I joined MPI almost five years ago,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI.

He added, “With the Gaylord Texan, we will be able to host and house the majority of our attendees under one roof, and they will also have easy travel access with the nearby Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport.”

The City of Grapevine features a historic downtown district, special event venues with more than 1 million square feet of meeting space and 20 hotels with 5,400-plus hotel rooms.

It is also home to the Grapevine Urban Wine and Craft Brew Trail, has three public golf courses, including the Cowboys Golf Club, the world’s only NFL-themed golf course, and was named a “World Festival and Event City” by the International Festival and Events Association in 2012.

“Grapevine has an international reputation as a top meetings destination and we look forward to welcoming MPI’s members for the 2020 World Education Congress,” said Brady Closson, managing director of sales and marketing, Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Closson added, “Grapevine’s rich history and warm hospitality give attendees an authentic Texas experience as they immerse themselves in our city’s world-class accommodations and meeting facilities. For those that have the opportunity, Grapevine has a full range of attractions, unique shopping and dining, nightlife and so much to see and do. We encourage attendees to explore our incredible destination.”

The year 2020 will mark the second time MPI’s WEC has been held in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

In 2006, WEC was hosted at the Dallas Convention Center, which was renamed the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in 2013.

“There is a bit of comfort knowing we will be hosting WEC in our own backyard. Plus, we have strong local support from the MPI Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter,” Van Deventer said.

This year’s WEC will be held June 2–5 at the Indiana Conference Center in Indianapolis.

To learn more or register for WEC18, visit www.mpiweb.org/wec-2018

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.