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Go Behind the Scenes of the Indy 500 with MPI

By M+E Staff

Hello readers,

Ever wondered what it takes to produce an event like the Indy 500? Now you can get the inside scoop with a special experiential event from Meeting Professionals International, slated for May 26-29 in Indianapolis. This special MPI series, which launched two years ago, also has upcoming events aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, at C2 Montreal and the 74th Annual Venice Film Festival in Italy, but the racing event is the most easily accessible for Illinois planners.

The idea behind the MPI Experiential Event Series is to take participants behind the scenes of some of the world’s most impressive entertainment, sports, culinary and mega-events for an immersive learning experience. Attendees will be introduced to the people who produce the event, program the content, develop the security and crisis management protocols, set the marketing strategy and design the entire event experience. Each program is limited to just 30 participants and open solely to planners for a more intimate experience.

For the Indy 500 edition, you’ll get to see just how producers have been able to keep a century of tradition zooming away with an event that annually draws 300,000 fans from around the world. The educational aspects are eligible for 20 clock hours of continuing education from the Convention Industry Council and there is also a certificate in sports event management given out upon the conclusion of the weekend.

Key learning moments include knowledge in the areas of sports event management, security and crowd control, revenue generation (including corporate/suite sales), media relations, catering, VIP coordination, housing, transportation, entertainment setup and other logistics. You’ll also have the chance to get an up close look at the 500 Festival Snakepit Ball (a red carpet party), the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 (a tour of race control and the situation room) and an opportunity to meet the drivers. See the full agenda here. The cost to register is $1,299 for members and $1,599 for new members (including a year of inclusion in MPI). The price includes a three-night hotel stay, ground transportation to and from the Indianapolis Airport, sponsored food and beverage throughout the weekend and the certificate and continuing education credits.

Happy Planning!

Selena Fragassi
Editor
Illinois Meetings + Events

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