Attendees appreciated having this private lounge area—complete with DJ, badge pickup desk, and refreshments—to get in the #WEC18 mood before they even left the airport.

Everyone wanted to put the "I" in Indy at this selfie station set up on the lawn of the opening night party at the White River State Park. 

Straight No Chaser, a professional a cappella group that began at Indiana University and gained fame when its rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas" went viral, was a big hit with the opening night party crowd.

There were several DIY stations at the opening night party in the park, but the most popular with the women was the flower crown area, where you could build your own tulip tiara.

Attendees entering the first Pep Rally—which replaced the usual general session with lots of high-energy acts and speakers—were ushered in with waves and lots of cheering.

The energy was indeed revved up Indy-style at the opening Pep Rally on Sunday.

Hayley Barnard, managing director of Mix Diversity Developers, took the audience through the causes of unconscious bias, and how understanding it better can make you a more inclusive meeting professional.

Enjoying the networking are John Cruz, CMM, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and Annette Zarriello, CMP, CMM, ABC Supply Company.

The educational sessions, such as this one in the Social Village section, were held in a variety of spaces, ranging from large assembly areas to smaller, more intimate "huddles." 

Lunch was al fresco on Sunday, when attendees piled out the doors of the Indiana Convention Center into the sunshine on Georgia Street to enjoy the wares of the best of local food trucks.

As always, the puppy-cuddling station, located in the center of the Social Village and sponsored by VIsit Newport Beach, was a big hit with attendees—including MPI Chair Amanda Armstrong.

Tom Petty tribute band Southern Accents rocked the Sunday evening block party in Monument Circle hosted by Visit Indy.

The Monday morning Pep Rally kicked off with Michael Cerbelli's The Hot List, which included everything from a country a cappella group and a knife throwing act to a company that can toast your brand right onto your buns and bagels.

Some attendees called these interestingly shaped spaces "igloos," others called them "bubbles." All seemed to enjoy meeting and chilling out in them.

IMEX Group sponsored a fun tailgating luncheon on Monday in Lucas Oil Stadium, which is attached to the Indiana Convention Center.

Along with trying to beat the goalie to kick in soccer balls and toss a football, attendees at the Monday tailgating party in Lucas Oil Stadium could—as MeetingsNet editor Sue Pelletier did—pose with characters including Blue, the Indianapolis Colts mascot.

San Diego-based third-party meeting management business owner Erin Scholes, CMP, CSEP, CMM (left), was presented with the MPI Chair Award by MPI Chairwoman Amanda Armstrong.

Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, was toasted for his many contributions to the industry during the annual President’s Dinner at Meeting Professionals International’s WEC18.

Denise Donnahoo, DISH Network (left), with Hilton's Toni Zoblotsky at the President's Dinner gala

This year's President's Dinner honored Roger Dow (center), president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. He's joined, left to right, by MPI board chair Amanda Armstrong; Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line; Roy Bloom, chairman of IMEX Group; Brian Stevens, founding president and CEO of ConferenceDirect; and Michael Dominguez, senior vice president and chief sales officer for MGM Resorts International.

The MPI Foundation's Rendezvous fundraiser drew nearly 1,200 participants for a fun night of dancing with Las Vegas DJ Warren Peace.

Some people danced the entire span of the 10 p.m.–1 a.m. Rendezvous fundraiser.

Some people took a break from dancing and chatting to take a group photo at Rendezvous, which was held in the Pan Am Pavilion in downtown Indy.

Pacers mascot Boomer the Panther joined Emcee Dena Blizzard on stage for the final Pep Rally on Tuesday. 

Emcee Dena Blizzard invited audience members to lay down their best beats in an epic rap battle on stage. While their rap may not be topping the charts any time soon, the MPI Heartland Chapter rocked the house.

Michael Owen, managing partner of business event producer EventGenuity, earned the RISE Award for Meeting Industry Leadership for the global impact of his work in the MPI community and beyond over more than two decades.

Author and entrepreneur Mel Robbins shared the five-second rule that has done everything from launch new businesses to stop suicides. 

At the closing celebration, participants had the opportunity to take a lap around the track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—at speeds up to 120 miles per hour. 

Nalini Dube-Borzym, CMP, Visit Florida (left), shared a smile with Stefanie Simmons, DES, CTA, Vivient, at the Indy Motor Speedway closing celebration.