Meetings Today spoke with Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of MPI and, effective January, co-chair of the Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMB), to get insight on what to expect from MMB in 2017.
Meetings Today: What is on the horizon for MMB in 2017, especially now that it is post-election?
Paul Van Deventer: In 2017, MMB will enter its fourth year. Our focus will be two-fold: continuing to promote the industry’s value in a way that resonates with business leaders and policymakers, and introducing new content, proof points and engagement opportunities for coalition members, supporters, meeting planners and DMO partners.
MT: Any new programs or campaigns for 2017?
PVD: In addition to expanding the scope of Worth Meeting About and our Business Leaders Video Series, we’ll continue the work we’ve started this year to engage meeting professionals. Through our newly developed Meeting Planner Task Force, we’ll partner with industry professionals from across the country to create programming and resources that are specific to the opportunities they have to demonstrate the value of our industry and elevate the meetings profession. We’ve been fortunate to have so many industry leaders involved in this coalition from the beginning. Now it’s time to expand our circle of industry champions and provide everyone with the tools he or she needs to be an advocate.
MT: What is the top focus of Global Meetings Industry Day 2017?
PVD: Global Meetings Industry Day will take place on April 6, 2017. Our chosen tagline, GMID: Face-to-face, no matter the place, will provide a central theme for partners and event hosts to reinforce the benefits of meeting face-to-face, not only in their communities but all over the world.