Meeting Professionals International (MPI), has announced the agenda for its upcoming annual European Meetings and Events Conference (EMEC) taking place 3-5 March in Luxembourg.
Now in its 35th year, MPI’s annual European event is focused on advancing innovation and professional development for the European business events community. The host venue, European Convention Center Luxembourg (ECCL), will serve as the location for the majority of the programme.
Luxembourg's culture minister Eric Thill said: “The development of business events ranks high on our political agenda. That’s why we are thrilled to be collaborating with MPI to host EMEC in Luxembourg, a country nestled in the heart of Europe and that is renowned for its deep historical roots, its rich culture and unspoilt natural landscapes.
“EMEC is an important event for the European events community as it provides a platform for event professionals to exchange ideas, learn from each other and build meaningful connections. We look forward to welcoming attendees from across the world and showcasing Luxembourg as a major European hub of business and innovation that has become world-renown for its sustainability, diversity and unique hospitality.”
EMEC’s opening reception and closing night Rendezvous celebration will bookend the event with opportunities for networking and fun in relaxed environments. The first day kicks off with an opening reception on 3 March at Mudam, the Contemporary Art Museum of Luxembourg. On 4 March, MPI Foundation’s Rendezvous will take place at Big Beer Company and there will be time as well to celebrate the MPI Foundation’s 40th anniversary at the event. Admission to Rendezvous is included in EMEC Luxembourg registration.
MPI’s opening plenary features former Danish MP Özlem Cekic who is current secretary general of Bridge Builders, an organisation dedicated to cultivating dialogue that promotes cultural understanding. On day two, facilitator and entrepreneur Michael Jackson will speak about event design and attendee engagement in a new era of events. The following morning, Sandro Forte will speak to how attendees can leverage their personal brand to remain competitive. And the final closing plenary session will be conducted by experts from the Event Design Collective, who will unveil research that reveals the top 10 reasons why events fail and how to strategically prepare events for success. Event participants can create their own Event Design Competency Diagnostic Report.
The event also features four hands-on Learning Journey Experiences. This year attendees can choose from one of four different journeys: a visit to Luxembourg Air Rescue, backstage access with Song Division to an historic cinema, an exploration of hospitality and tourism of the future at Lëtzebuerg City Museum or a sensory culinary experience at Novotel Luxembourg Kirchberg. Each learning journey connects to an area of professional development.
“Creating atypical, immersive personal development experiences is key to the creation of EMEC, and Luxembourg has provided an extraordinary backdrop to design this opportunity for the event’s 35th iteration,” said Drew Holmgreen, MPI chief brand officer. “Consistent with our community’s expectations, EMEC Luxembourg will empower world-class learnings, connections and personal and professional growth framed in new, unexpected environments.”
Event participants can claim up to 11 continuing education units from education session topics covering a spectrum of skills and knowledge areas pertinent to meeting and event professionals; all powered by the MPI Academy. There are seven different session formats represented across the concurrent education program focused on topics such as generative AI, sustainability, attendee engagement, venue selection and community building.
EMEC’s hosted buyer programme welcomes buyers from the USA, Canada and across EMEA to meet with suppliers from around the globe in one-on-one, in-person appointments. Buyers will arrive prior to EMEC on Saturday and be treated to a Rallye Gourmand Tour of the city of Luxembourg where they will see historical sites, taste local cuisine and more.
Updates on specific programming and education will be shared on the event website at www.mpi.org/emec.
