A Rousing Opening Act
The opening general session saw Voices of Service, a quartet comprising veteran and active-duty military members, fill the ballroom with rich sounds and inspirational messages.
Star Power
Musical artist and entrepreneur Usher spoke with MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer during the opening general session about the ways planners can work with speakers and entertainers to create better live events.
The Rule at This Event: Self-Maintenance
Attendees did not have to prove they were vaccinated to attend, but these signs at the entrance to Caesars Forum each morning outlined attendees' responsibility to keep the event as safe as possible.
Feeling Like a Kid Again
Allegiant Stadium, the one-year-old home of pro football's Las Vegas Raiders, hosted WEC's opening reception. Besides throwing and kicking footballs around while sampling the stadium's F&B offerings at stations set up on the playing field, attendees could tour other event spaces that groups as small as 100 can use without buying out the stadium. This photo was taken from a 24,000-square-foot promenade that can hold 1,500 for a reception.
Big Players Send a Big Message
Paul Van Deventer, MPI President and CEO, and Stephen Revetria, MPI Board Chair for 2021, discuss the $1 million in funds dedicated to continuing the memberships of more than 3,100 MPI members who were in need during the pandemic.
More Messages from Industry Heavyweights
Roger Dow of U.S. Travel, Fred Dixon of New York & Co., and Michael Massari of Caesars Entertainment discuss the efforts of the Meetings Mean Business coalition and the new "Let's Meet There" campaign to get professional business events happening again as soon as possible.
New Name, Same Cool Venue
In the showroom of the new Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, formerly the Hard Rock Resort & Casino, the MPI Presidents Dinner took place honoring influential industry veteran Terri Breining.
A Rumbling Reception
A drumming troupe welcomed guests to the Presidents Dinner after-party, complete with costumes featuring synchronized LED lights.
The Newest Big Ballroom in Vegas
The 110,000-square-foot main ballroom at Caesars Forum is the largest in the world to be pillar-free.
Partners in Crime
Legendary Las Vegas headliners Penn and Teller coach MPI Foundation Chair Todd Marinko from Encore on how to pull off a successful card trick.
You Want to Do What?!
Famed Vegas entertainer Teller asks MPI Chair Todd Marinko to hold a needle-filled apple for a moment while Teller removes one needle at a time and, um, eats it.
Really, Do I Have to Do This?
MPI Chair Todd Marinko examines the throat of Vegas entertainer Teller after the latter ingested several sewing needles followed by a long strand of sewing thread. This can't possibly turn out well, can it?
All's Well that Ends Well
Vegas entertainer Teller shows the MPI audience the sewing thread and needles he ingested as individual items moments before. Apparently, he was able to thread the needles while they were in his mouth.
A Critical Topic: Women's Paths to Leadership
Four top sales executives in the hospitality industry—Rebecca Deluca of Caesars Entertainment; Chandra Ellison of The Venetian Resort; Devon Lewis of Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority; and Stephanie Glanzer of MGM Resorts International—had a revealing discussion of how women can become business leaders and support the women coming up behind them. Michelle Allgauer, the top meetings executive for the Financial Services Institute, led the session.
