Toronto is hosting Meeting Professionals International’s World Education Congress (MPI WEC). The signature event auditions Toronto to meeting professionals from around the globe at a time when Toronto is capturing the world’s attention thanks to the energy and excitement surrounding the Toronto Raptors and the NBA finals. MPI WEC is taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from June 15-18.
“MPI’s World Education Congress is the premier event for meeting and event professionals, with the global events industry experiencing Toronto at a time when the city is having a moment on the world’s stage,” said Tara Gordon, Vice President, Business Events at Tourism Toronto. “From the energy buzzing throughout the city to the diversity and sense of welcome Toronto is known for, it’s a remarkable time to experience Canada’s Downtown and an even better time to host a live audition for future meetings and events.”
Toronto’s meetings, conventions and events industry is an economic driver for the city. In 2018, business events generated $565 million for the Toronto regional economy with more than 500,000 delegates from around the world. In 2018, Toronto hosted more international delegates from meetings, conferences and events than any other city in North America, ranking 7th globally – the only North American city in the top 10. Toronto was also named Canada’s top convention destination by Cvent in 2018, and is one of the top-ranked meeting destinations in the 2018 Watkins survey of top meeting planners.
“We are very pleased to welcome back MPI’s World Education Congress, a convention that brings together leaders in our industry,” said Lorenz Hassenstein, President & CEO at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. “Toronto is a top destination for meetings in North America, and we look forward to showcasing the world-class experience that meeting professionals can expect from our multifaceted facility and city.”
2,500 attendees are expected for MPI’s WEC, with the majority of delegates coming from the U.S. The event has an estimated economic impact of $6.1 million with Toronto last hosting the conference in 2002.
“The meetings and events industry is ever-changing and so is Toronto – a city that has transformed since MPI’s World Education Congress was last here in 2002,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and chief executive officer at Meeting Professionals International. “MPI is an association for people who bring people together and this year we’re hosting our World Education Congress in a city that brings the world together. Toronto provides the perfect backdrop for a conference brimming with inspiring and innovative education, dynamic networking and countless business opportunities for meeting professionals from around the globe.”
