Shaping Meetings Future
MPI WEC San Antonio Gathers 1,800 Professionals to Explore Future of Meetings Through Immersive Learning
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Nearly 1,800 meeting and event professionals gathered in San Antonio, Texas, for MPI's World Education Congress (WEC), the industry's biggest annual gathering. The event pushed attendees to rethink how conferences work — replacing passive listening with hands-on, city-wide learning experiences, according to Financial Post.
MPI CEO Paul Van Deventer said the event "reflected where our industry is headed — toward more human-centered experiences, immersive learning and meaningful connection." The congress ran June 2–4 at the Henry B. González Convention Center and spilled into iconic San Antonio venues including The Alamo, the Aztec Theatre, and the River Walk.
Three City-Wide Learning Journeys Replace Classroom Sessions
Instead of sitting through lectures, attendees joined three structured "Learning Journeys" across San Antonio. One journey included a barge parade along the River Walk. Others used The Alamo and the Aztec Theatre as live classrooms. The goal was to tie real places to real professional lessons, according to Edmonton Sun.
The congress also debuted a new studio-style opening session called "The Break Down." It made complex ideas more accessible through live industry commentary. In total, 124 breakout sessions and five professional certificate programs were offered. A record 686 people attended their first-ever WEC, making up 38% of the crowd, Ottawa Sun reported.
MPI Foundation Raises $200,000 and Spreads $140,000 in Scholarships
The MPI Foundation raised roughly $200,000 during the San Antonio event. It also handed out $140,000 in scholarships to more than 100 attendees. Since the Foundation launched in 1984, it has distributed $14.6 million in total support to industry professionals, according to Paris Star Online.
MPI also reported a balanced budget and strong financial health, backed by seven years of consolidated cash trend data. The organization launched a new Learning Management System (LMS) at the event. The LMS lets members — not just staff — create and share courses, moving MPI toward year-round learning rather than a once-a-year content dump, The Whig reported.
Keynote Speakers Brought Real-World Grit to the Stage
Three keynote speakers brought personal stories to the stage. Dr. Magie Cook, a former orphan turned entrepreneur, spoke about using adversity to shape identity. Former NFL player and magician Jon Dorenbos told the crowd about "making a decision to be happy." Memory expert Jim Kwik gave practical brain techniques attendees could use the same day, according to Sault This Week.
Wellness experiences ran alongside the education. Sessions included puppy yoga and sound baths. These additions reflect a growing trend in high-tier event design — treating attendee wellbeing as part of the program, not an afterthought, Pembroke Observer noted.
Next Stop Las Vegas, With a Budget Warning on the Horizon
MPI announced its next four WEC destinations: Las Vegas in 2027, Denver in 2028, Anaheim in 2029, and Tampa Bay in 2030. The 2027 Las Vegas event is set for June 28–30. MPI also revealed its incoming 2027 leadership slate, with Antonio Ducceschi named as the next MPI Foundation Global Board Chair, according to Woodstock Sentinel Review.
Despite the celebratory mood, a shadow lingers. MPI's own Q2 2026 Meetings Outlook survey found 34% of planners hold negative expectations for the year ahead. Rising costs remain the top concern. One respondent called budgeting a "constant problem," saying inflation is eating into gains even when budgets look favorable on paper, County Market reported.
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