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Movers and shakers in the Las Vegas meeting and hospitality industry gathered for May 14 at the MGM Grand Conference Center for an education and networking event and to discuss the possibility of solidifying a local MPI community.

“This is a great opportunity to make new connections and build new business relationships,” said Matthew Gucu, founder of New Moon Entertainment.

The timing was right for a gathering such as this, according to Megan Archambeault, VP of sales - south portfolio for MGM Resorts International and a member of the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees, who opened the educational portion of the event.

“We know Nevada is the epicenter of the industry for professionals and this will be the perfect opportunity to start a chapter, especially as we are hosting the 2027 MPI World Education Congress in Las Vegas,” she said.

In Las Vegas you don’t wait for moments, you create them, according to Kate Wik, chief marketing officer for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).

“We are absolutely the meetings and conventions capital of the world, and the world’s destination for life’s biggest moments,” she said during her presentation. 

In addition to concerts and celebrity residencies, Wik highlighted some of the biggest and best events taking place across trade shows, sports, festivals and entertainment in Las Vegas, including Formula One, WWE, Super Bowl 2029, the inaugural 2026 MICHELIN Guide Southwest ceremony in August and eight weeks of fireworks and synchronized patriotic shows and events celebrating America 250.

A panel of leading industry professionals facilitated by Marti Winer, SVP and regional GM for Hosts Global, provided industry insights and shared stories from their own lives, personal and professional journeys, as well as what excites them.   

“I’ve been in Las Vegas for about 15 years and what I’m most excited about and I’ve seen is the addition of so many immersive experiences, interactive entertainment rather than just watching something,” said Sara Taylor, senior director, conference operations for Viticus Group, who noted that more than 59% of Gen Z’s demand interactive experiences and learning. “AREA15 is a great example of that.”

There was a unanimous sentiment that a local MPI chapter would build a stronger community and nurture future hospitality leaders.

“I think it’s an incredible opportunity to tap into University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), especially to get them more involved in MPI and to understand what MPI is and why there’s a benefit.” added Archambeault, who co-mentors UNLV student Isabelle Gates, who asked panelists for advice as she enters the industry.  

“I make sure my website is AI, ChatGPT searchable and [advise] being able to adapt to the technology to help other people change what they’re doing,” said Kelly Campbell, VP, corporate events for AREA15. “Pay attention to what planners are looking for.”

Ernest Stovall, senior VP of hotel group sales MGM Resorts International, said he goes back to always being able to understand the expectations of CEOs and who you’re working with.

“Continue to work hard, stay late, do the things that are unexpected that are going to make you stand out,” he said.

Las Vegas is an open and welcoming melting pot creating jobs for people from every demographic with opportunities for round-the-clock employment, including immigrants like Mai Lim, VP industry relations and global accounts for ConferenceDirect, who put the event together, loves the event industry and has a passion for the city.

“I am a transplant, 25 years ago; I raised my son as a single mom in this town,” she said. “This city has given me so much opportunity for growth. My child is 32 years old now and a nurse at a local hospital. This is my way of giving back to what the industry and town as given me as an immigrant from the Philippines.” 

Phyllis Shelton, director of special events for iPower Global Solutions, felt a disconnect when she moved to Las Vegas from New York and therefore thinks it’s important to form an MPI chapter in Las Vegas.

“I’m used to New York, we have fundraisers, we do events, have our chapter meetings, friends and get together and meet other planners,” she said. “I miss that up close, personal part of MPI.”

During his closing remarks, Timothy Gunn, vice president of community for MPI, said the soul of the organization is the members and volunteers who serve.

“For more than 50 years MPI has created leaders who have gone on to strengthen their local communities and we want to further advance the Nevada meeting and event professionals by allowing them to lead a future chapter,” he said.

Photos provided by Scott Mifsud, Just Right DMC.