Meeting Professionals International's World Education Congress in August drew a record-breaking attendance of more than 4,300. Among the news from MPI: The association plans to launch a Future of Meetings task force, which aims to identify goals for meetings of the future; and the Meetings Executive Advisory Council, which will advise MPI leadership on the direction of the association. As well, MPI announced a Community Knowledge Plan, a project that will outline seven milestones for pursuing a career in the meetings industry. Each milestone will be marked with a certification or educational opportunity. Plans are also in the works for a revamped Global Certification in Meeting Management program. MPI launched the CMM, an advanced-level designation for meeting professionals, in 1995.

Plenty of education is in store at The Motivation Show, September 23-25 at McCormick Place in Chicago. This year's keynote speaker is Chester Elton, co-author of several leadership books including the best seller The Carrot Principle, and The 24-Carrot Manager. And don't miss a panel of industry thought-leaders on Tuesday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. — including Louann Cashill, CMP, CMM, meeting services manager, Toyota Motor Sales; Beth Cooper-Zobott, director, conference services, Equity Residential; Cynthia Duggan, CMP, CMM, manager, meetings and events, Abbot Nutrition International; Brenda Anderson, CEO, Society of Incentive & Travel Executives; and Scott Graf, president, BCD Meetings and Incentives — sharing their views on such topics as procurement and strategic meetings management. MeetingsNet Editorial Director Betsy Bair and Corporate Meetings & Incentives Editor Barbara Scofidio are session hosts. You can help determine the exact content of the session in a pre-show poll. To register, visit www.motivationshow.com.