The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence and Meeting Professionals International have come together to offer a new, enhanced experience for global meetings and incentive professionals at the SITE + MPI Global Forum. The crossover between both industries and memberships sparked the idea for the event, taking place Jan. 12–14, 2018 at the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria in Italy—a hotel in the heart of Rome.
The forum unites two global brands and will feature industry trends, provide innovative and relevant education opportunities for attendees and create a collaborative environment developed for networking and business exchanges. Joint activities will give delegates the ability to customize their experience.
“As past-chair of MPI, I am excited about this opportunity to collaborate with MPI on the Global Forum, which will quickly become one of the most important industry events in Europe in 2018,” says Kevin Hinton, CIS, CEO, SITE. “SITE and MPI share many members, and by combining our otherwise competing events, we are making it easier for members to attend one event versus having to choose between two. Members tell us that they are looking for maximum value from our events and we expect the Global Forum will be welcomed by our global community of incentive and meeting professionals and sponsors.”
Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO, MPI, echoes Hinton’s sentiments.
“We look forward to partnering with SITE to deliver a strong and innovative program for Global Forum next year,” says Van Deventer This collaboration is just one example of our strategic priority to expand MPI educational offerings within Europe, and we believe our members in the region will welcome the opportunity to learn and network alongside SITE members.”
Rome is a leading destination, attracting incentive trips, meetings and congresses for attendees from around the globe. The city combines world history with the charm of its past.
“The incentive community in Rome will ensure this is a must-attend event and exciting pre and post tours will give delegates ample opportunity to explore one of the world’s greatest incentive and meeting destinations,” says Hinton.
Annamaria Ruffini, CIS, CEO, Events In & Out S.R.L., and SITE president-elect, was critical to bringing the event to Rome.
“As a member of both SITE and MPI, I believe that collaborating to host a global event will be a major plus for members of both organizations. The two associations share an international spirit and pay close attention to networking, training, promotion and recognition of the meetings and incentives industry throughout the world,” she says. “It is only natural for an effective synergy to emerge between the two. There is no better setting than Rome to enhance a historic event that could have great influence on the future of our industry.”