Meeting Professionals International (MPI) involvement in IMEX grows stronger at this year’s event. MPI  is involved in a number of educational and promotional initiatives in Frankfurt from 22-24 April 2008 during IMEX. The Future Leaders Forum (FLF) is a joint effort of MPI and IMEX aimed at meetings professionals currently enrolled in higher education for the meetings and events industry. The FLF is a day-long programme immediately preceding IMEX which is designed to encourage students to enter the meetings and events profession and includes sessions on leadership, innovation and career development.

Over 2,000 students have passed through the programme since its launch in 2003, with 80% reporting that they are more likely to enter the industry as a result of attending the FLF. This year, the FLF will take place on 24th April at Messe Frankfurt.

Additional MPI activities at IMEX include:

• MPI Faculty Forum, a forum for faculty and academics, to take place on 24th April at 10:00 a.m., Messe Frankfurt.
• MPI Foundation Youth Award will be awarded to recognise outstanding student research in the field of meetings and events management during IMEX Gala dinner on 23rd April.
• MPI Germany will host two cocktail receptions at the MPI stand on Tuesday 22nd April and Wednesday 23rd April at 16:30. Hosted buyers, MPI members, prospects, as well as media are encouraged to attend to learn more about MPI in a relaxed atmosphere.
• MPI material will also be available in the Professional Development Pavilion at IMEX.

Joyce Dogniez, CMM, MPI Director of Operations EMEA comments: “Participating in IMEX is important as it enables us to share MPI’s vision to build a rich global meetings and events community. We are delighted to take part once again at a time when our relationship with the IMEX is getting even stronger.”

Other show promotions will include a special membership rate for hosted buyers, exhibitors and trade visitors interested in joining MPI.