Crafting My Experience at WEC 2024!

When I applied for MPI St. Louis Area Chapter’s Bob Green Scholarship to WEC 2024 in Louisville, I never thought in a million years I would be awarded the scholarship. So, when I received the email congratulating me on being awarded the scholarship, I was like “what in the world did I get myself into?!” After the shock wore off and I contacted a few of my fellow chapter members who were attending and co-workers, I felt much better, sort of! It was time for me to get out of my comfort zone and craft my experience and boy did I.

Upon entering the Kentucky International Convention Center, I found myself among 2,000 planners and suppliers, the best in the business. Then it was on to my first session. I felt like it was the first day of college navigating my way through the crowd. Once I sat down at a table in my first session and we did table introductions, and I was off to the races, literally. The iconic Churchill Downs was the site of the opening night event. Everyone was dressed in their best derby attire. The hats and fascinators were stunning.  

Over the course of the next 2.5 days, I attended sessions with people in all roles in the industry and hearing from them and their experiences. It made me realize, I have a lot to learn, but provided me with insight on how approach situations from different angles.

My favorite and most informative sessions were on RFPs, followed by Project Management, rounded out by F&B Trends.

The general session that wowed me was Better Together: How To Build a Culture of Belonging with Princess Sarah Culberson. Words cannot even begin to describe her. Goggle Princess Sarah Culberson and you will be inspired, too. The other noteworthy general session was Broadway to Boardroom: Business Best Practices from Backstage. They brought in Broadway Actors!! Did they sing and dance? Oh yes, they did!

By the way, Explore St. Louis knocked it out of the park by driving in 2,000 small pints of Clementine’s Ice Cream to promote the 2025 WEC in St. Louis! 

Thank you, MPISTL, for an amazing week at the 2024 WEC in Louisville. Can’t wait for the 2025 WEC in St. Louis!!!