A First-Time Attendee's Perspective on WEC
Jessica MacMillan
At the beginning of June, I had the opportunity to attend MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC) for the first time. As a young professional in the meetings and events industry, the experience was both exciting and intimidating.
Having never attended a conference with thousands of participants, I was curious to observe not only the educational content, but also the attendee experience, event design, logistics, and networking opportunities that make a large-scale conference successful. I was equally eager for the chance to connect with other professionals and learn from experts across the industry.
My WEC experience began with the CMP Academy, a six-hour bootcamp spread across two days for professionals pursuing the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. Participating in this course before the conference kicked off proved invaluable; it gave me an immediate sense of connection with other attendees who shared similar professional goals. Throughout the remainder of WEC, I continued to see familiar faces from the course, which made such a large conference feel more approachable.
One of the first sessions I attended was designed specifically for first-time attendees. I expected a good turnout, but I was surprised to find a standing-room-only crowd of nearly 150 individuals (of course I counted) in the same boat as me. While the size of the group was initially overwhelming, it was reassuring to realize how many professionals were experiencing WEC for the first time.
What stood out most throughout the event was the sense of community. Everywhere I went, attendees were welcoming, approachable, and eager to help others make meaningful connections. One attendee, after learning about my role, immediately introduced me to another professional working in the same industry as me. That simple act of connection exemplified the collaborative spirit that was present throughout the event and reminded me of the power of professional networks.
The Marketplace was another highlight. The space was filled with creative activations and interactive experiences that sparked ideas I can bring back to my own events. From engaging booth concepts to innovative attendee experiences, there was no shortage of inspiration. I was particularly intrigued by educational sessions that utilized headphone technology within the Marketplace. While I had heard of this format before, experiencing it firsthand was entirely different. The setup created a surprisingly personal and focused learning environment despite being situated within a bustling exhibit space.
As I reflect on my first WEC, I realize that the experience both met and exceeded my expectations. I left feeling inspired by the people I met, energized by the ideas I encountered, and motivated to continue growing as a professional. Most importantly, I returned with new perspectives and practical ideas that I look forward to incorporating into future events and experiences.
One of the greatest benefits of attending industry events like WEC is the opportunity to learn from professionals who are constantly pushing the boundaries of attendee engagement, event design, and meeting strategy. As someone who supports association clients, I am always looking for ways to create more meaningful experiences for our stakeholders, and I found many at WEC. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend WEC and look forward to applying what I learned to help create stronger events, deeper connections, and more engaging experiences for the associations and communities we serve.
Finding Value Through the Hosted Buyer Experience
Christine Saricos, CMP
I recently attended Meeting Professionals International’s (MPI) World Education Congress (WEC) as a Hosted Buyer. It ended up being one of the most efficient and valuable conference experiences I’ve had in recent years.
The Hosted Buyer program really changes the pace of how you experience a conference. Instead of trying to navigate a packed schedule and figure out who to meet with, everything is intentionally set up for you. My appointments were pre-scheduled based on my role and interests, which meant I spent my time in conversations that were actually relevant to the work I do.
What I appreciated most was how focused the meetings were. Each conversation got straight to the point. What we need, what they offer, and whether there’s real potential to work together. It made the whole experience feel very productive without the usual conference overwhelm.
Equally valuable was the cohort experience formed with my fellow Hosted Buyers. Connecting with this group created an immediate sense of community and provided a built-in support system throughout the event. We shared insights, compared takeaways from meetings, and helped each other navigate sessions and opportunities, which enhanced the overall experience.
Outside of the hosted appointments, WEC still had plenty of opportunities to connect, learn, and explore what’s happening in the industry. But the biggest difference for me was how much easier it was to make meaningful connections in a short amount of time.
Overall, the Hosted Buyer program made the experience feel more intentional and efficient. I was able to meet with the right people, have real conversations, and walk away with connections that are actually actionable, not just business cards. The time out of the office proved to be well spent with a tangible return on investment for my organization and I look forward to the next opportunity.
Bringing the Experience Back to Our Clients
One of the greatest benefits of attending industry events is the opportunity to learn from peers, challenge assumptions and explore new ideas. While Christine and Jessica experienced WEC from different perspectives, both returned with practical takeaways that will help inform their work and strengthen the support RGI provides to its clients.
The connections made, lessons learned and inspiration gained at WEC serve as a reminder that professional growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens through shared experiences, meaningful conversations and a commitment to continuous learning.
Christine Saricos, CMP
Christine leverages her extensive expertise in logistical planning, program development, sourcing, vendor management, and volunteer coordination to drive success for RGI clients in her role as Senior Director of Conference Services & Vendor Relations.
Her proficiency and achievements in the meetings industry have earned her the esteemed Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, and she is an active member of Meeting Professional International (MPI).
Jessica MacMillan
Jessica MacMillan is a Senior Meetings and Membership Coordinator, formerly an intern for the organization, who combines strategic event planning with a passion for fostering community. She holds a B.A. in Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management from IUPUI, along with certificates in Business Foundations and Tourism Development.
Jessica was nominated for the MPI Indiana Chapter’s IMPRESS “One to Watch” award and actively volunteers on the chapter’s Education Committee.