One day to go.

It’s not the finish line we see, though. It’s the beginning, the start of what many thought was an improbable journey in what’s been an even more improbable year.

Today, we say farewell to this year’s rescheduled, revamped, reworked World Education Congress. But when we give our final safety-protocol-approved elbow bumps and hand waves at the Texas Live! closing celebration, what we’re really thinking about behind our masks are the Texas-size grins and big ol’ hugs that we want to give each other following a few days of inspiration, of hope, of appreciation for all that we do have, and for the love within our MPI community.

More than 600 of you were courageous enough to travel to Grapevine in the midst of a pandemic, on the eve of a tumultuous presidential election to be a part of something momentous—the first fully live, hybrid meeting industry education event since March that tested the boundaries of a large in-person gathering.

Much was at stake, not only for those of you who attended, but for MPI. We heard from naysayers and far more from supporters who applauded our leadership and guts to do this now.

But now was the right time. Time does not stand still, and neither should this industry. Rather, we should forge into the future with cautious yet bold steps to get the meeting and event industry back to work. Safely. Wear a mask. Social distance yourselves.

Paul Van Deventer, MPI’s president and CEO, made it very clear from the onset what his priority was—to demonstrate how a a live event could be put on in the new normal, a conference with safety and wellness at the forefront.

“Duty of care is the most critical thing we can demonstrate this week,” he said.

You listened. You acted responsibly at every turn, even while supporting the MPI Foundation on the dance floor at Rendezvous and at every networking event this week.

You were patient as we welcomed more than 1,000 meeting professionals who chose the digital experience, some of whom would have traveled if local restrictions or company policies allowed. The digital attendees made our experience only richer and showed us how we will meet going forward in this hybrid world.

So, while we say goodbye today, know that our collective work is just beginning. The blueprint has been laid out, a plan executed this week that demonstrated and reinforced for us the power of face to face. A new future awaits, and we thank you for embarking on the journey with us.

Safe travels home. 

Rich Luna
Editor in Chief
Meeting Professionals International