Hosted Buyer Programs

Discover the buzz by experiencing MPI's intimate and immersive Business Exchange (Hosted Buyer) Program at WEC Louisville! Get the VIP treatment and meet one-on-one with supplier partners who aim to make your events amazing.

Engage in premier education and networking that WEC is renowned for. With the perfect blend of business meetings and experiential opportunities, leave WEC Louisville equipped with all the tools to ensure your next event is a tremendous success! Register your interest now and elevate your event planning to new heights!

Applications for 2024 Coming Soon!

Save the date for IMEX America 2023! Known as the heartbeat of the global business events community, IMEX America will take place in the king of conventions, Las Vegas, Nevada, from October 17 -19, 2023 at the lush tropical resort of Mandalay Bay.

Join us as we bring Hosted Buyers for a full program of education, networking and business exchange. More information available in the coming months.

For additional information regarding IMEX America visit www.imexamerica.com

APPLICATIONS CLOSED.

IMEX Frankfurt will take place on May 14-16, 2024 at Messe Frankfurt, one of the world’s largest, most modern and connected venues in the heart of Europe. Expect skilled speakers, cutting edge ideas and plentiful inspiration at 250-plus educational and networking events – and an exhilarating exhibition with over 3400 exhibitors representing 170 countries.

Frankfurt, Germany is home to 250-plus events each year, with 11,500 hotel rooms within walking distance – and just 20 minutes from Frankfurt airport by car or public transport, Messe Frankfurt is a world-class venue for a world-class event.

For more information visit: www.imex-frankfurt.com

Applications Coming Soon!

Are you a senior level, 10+ years, CMM/CMP and manages a team?

The Thought Leaders Summit is an invite only opportunity designed exclusively for established leaders in the industry. Participants engage in executive-level education powered by the MPI Academy and become a part of landmark outcomes in event and meeting planning. Program includes up to 10 hours of EIC compliant education and participation in research project, funded through a grant from the MPI Foundation, Expectations.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q- I’m a planner. What are the benefits of the MPI Exchange

As a planner, you will receive a full conference registration that allows you to participate in all of the events and education offered during the conference. You will meet face-to-face with suppliers you want to do business with during hosted buyer hours.  Plus, there are no group appointments.

You can advance your career with education sessions available throughout the conference.  Attend sessions to earn clock hours to certify or recertify for your CMP. Earning clock hours attending a conference is often less expensive than taking individual classes elsewhere.  

Q-  I’m a supplier. What are the benefits of the MPI Exchange for me?

Participating as a supplier in the MPI Exchange allows you to fill your pipeline and meet face-to-face with your choice of qualified planners with real buying power. The ultimate benefit is doing business smarter, faster and better.

Q- What are some hints for me to maximize my time at the MPI Exchange?

The appointment will provide ample time for both parties to connect.  Here are some tips on how to best prepare:

• Small talk (1-2 minutes).

• A brief introduction of your company (2 minutes).

• Prepare 3-5 questions about your partner's needs (5 minutes).

• Prepare 3 solutions on how you think you could help your potential clients (4 minutes).  

• Use the information to see in the profile of your counterpart.

• Agree on follow-up actions. What, when, follow-up meeting, follow-up email? (2 minutes).

• Take your time to reflect on the meeting (1 minute).

• Write everything down, not only hard facts but also your thoughts and feelings in 5 sentences. Planners, come prepared with business in hand (e.g. RFP’s)

• Planners, if you don’t have an immediate business need to discuss during your appointment, come prepared with examples of past events or potential future events that have not formalized.

• Bring your business cards.

Q- How do I justify the cost per appointment to my boss?

The cost per appointment is minimal when you factor in the following.  You are meeting with qualified planners that have a business for you and want to meet with you.  All planner applications are reviewed by a committee to ensure they are bringing quality business to the appointment.

Q- Are small businesses successful in the program?

It doesn't matter if your brand employs three hundred or thirty; large and small businesses alike can benefit from participating. We've got planners perfect for you.

Q- Are there group appointments?

There are no group appointments included in the MPI Exchange program at MPI’s events.  IMEX America will pre-schedule your group appointments.

Q- What is MPI's Policy with Sarbanes Oxley (SOX)?

MPI is a nonprofit association and being a nonprofit Sarbanes’s Oxley (SOX) does not apply to our organization. MPI does not have any issues with SOX because we are not receiving any services/goods from planners in return for your participation in this program. All participating planners are hosted at MPI’s expense and not at the suppliers.