Meeting technology was at the forefront of the educational program at the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Professional Education Conference (PEC) in January. At an off-site TechLab, attendees used a variety of software packages, including MeetingPOWER, MeetingMatrix, and the soon-to-be-released PlanSoft Ajenis. There were also classes on the Internet and cyberspace marketing, among others, for a total of more than 20 TechLab sessions.
In line with MPI's commitment to technology, the organization announced at the meeting that its World Wide Web site (http://www.mpi web.org) will carry audio and video highlights of the PEC. MPI also introduced a new benefit for members, known as Meeting WOW (Meeting WithOut Walls), in which they can work with an Internet design company to put their meetings on the Web for a reduced rate.
To balance the high-tech side of the meeting, keynote speaker Maya Angelou gave a characteristically warm and personal address, speaking of relatives who have inspired her in the past. Also at the conference, MPI congratulated its chapters of the year: Ottawa (fewer than 250 members) and Dallas/Fort Worth (more than 250 members).
