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Now Accepting Applications!
History
In 2021, the Meeting Professionals International Kansas City Chapter (MPIKC) and the University of Central Missouri’s Events Marketing & Management (EMM) Program teamed up to create a pipeline for students in the Kansas City meetings and events industry. Since its inception, we have successfully matched 35 students with mentors, with an additional 8 students currently engaged in active mentorship. Through these valuable relationships, 7 students have secured job and internship placements. In 2022, our efforts earned us the MPI Global Rise Award for Industry Advocate, recognizing our achievements in providing essential tools and resources to regional universities and students. Additionally, the EMM Professor earned a grant from the University of Central Missouri that enables its senior students to join MPIKC, earn their Emerging Meeting Professionals Certificate, and attend MPIKC’s Annual Education Conference. Now, in 2026, we bring you the Future Meeting Professionals of Kansas City Scholarship Fund.
Purpose
The Future Meeting Professionals of Kansas City Scholarship Fund was created to help bridge the gap between education and the professional world for the next generation of meeting and event leaders. This year-long program supports recent graduates as they take the first steps in their careers—offering access to education, mentorship, and exclusive networking opportunities within the Kansas City events community.
Our mission is simple: Educate. Engage. Empower.
What You Receive
One Year of complimentary membership to Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
Complimentary registration to all MPI Kansas City education and special events for the scholarship term.
Complimentary registration and travel reimbursement (flight/hotel) to the 2026 MPI World Education Congress (WEC), June 2-4, 2026, in San Antonio.
Letter of Recommendation from the Office of the President
Qualification Criteria
Must be graduating between December 2025 - August 2026
Currently enrolled or recently completion from an accredited college or university (2-year or 4-year) by August 2026
Minimum GPA - 3.0 or Above
Major/minor in Hospitality Management, Event Planning, Business, Marketing, Communications, or related fields
Must plan on residing in Kansas City metro area for duration of scholarship and/or must be willing to commute to required Kansas City events and meetings.
Pursuing a career in meetings, events, hospitality, tourism, or related fields
Demonstrated involvement in hospitality/event-related service, (sorority, clubs, etc.)
Volunteer or leadership experience (on or off campus)
Materials Required
Online application form
Current resume
Unofficial Transcript
Letter of recommendation (e.g., faculty, employer, advisor)
Essay Responses
Timeline
- Applications Open: November 2025
Submission Deadline: February 2026
Application Review: February 2026 - April 2026
Interviews: March 2026
Award Winner Notification: May 2026
Award Winner Announcement: August 2026
The scholarship term will run from August 2026 through July 2027.
Expectations
Plan one volunteer day for the entire MPI Board
Reasonable effort to attend all MPI education/special events, notifying the Office of the President in advance of any absences.
Attend one board meeting
Provide a testimonial