DALLAS (May 1, 2019)  –  Meeting Professionals International, (MPI), the world’s largest meeting and event industry association, announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind MPI Exchange, a new online tool designed exclusively for meeting planners to connect in live event settings with potential partner suppliers who best meet their goals and objectives. 

The tool, which is available to members and non-members, creates efficiency for users to have a responsive and interactive experience when searching for business solutions. Prior to attending an MPI Exchange program, planners and suppliers use the tool to identify professional connections to meet with at the event.

Benefits for planners accepted into an MPI Exchange program include full conference registration that allows them to participate in conference events and education taking place outside of their face-to-face meetings. They will meet face-to-face with suppliers who match their business objectives. For suppliers, the MPI Exchange provides an opportunity for them to connect with potential new clients who are decision makers. For both planners and suppliers, the tool allows them to do business smarter, faster and better.

"As an association always looking for new ways to bring people together and advance the industry, the MPI Exchange is a convenient one-stop-shop for planners and suppliers to choose from a range of diverse, face-to-face business opportunities that create the right environment to generate business and create meaningful connections." says Meaghan Ferrazza, MPI Director of Strategic Alliances.

MPI Exchange currently has programs at the following MPI events: World Education Congress (June 15-18 in Toronto), Plan Your Meetings (multiple dates and locations), and Thought Leaders Summit (TBD, late 2019). MPI Exchange also is available at select partner events, such as IMEX America.

MPI conducted testing and included input from past MPI member hosted buyer participants who attended events to connect with planners, to test usability of the tool and to assess its relevance for industry professionals. The MPI Exchange tool soft launched in October 2018 at IMEX America. Feedback from the launch included user experience and design changes improvements.

About MPI
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide. The organization provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities and business exchanges, and acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry. MPI has a global community of 60,000 meeting and event professionals including more than 17,000 engaged members and its Plan Your Meetings audience. It has more than 90 chapters and clubs in 19 countries. "When we meet, we change the world." www.mpi.org

Media Contact:  Mary Lester, communications@mpi.org; 214-490-3480