DALLAS, TX — Wednesday, April 10, 2024 — Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world’s largest association for meeting and event professionals with nearly 13,000 worldwide members, proudly announces a three-year strategic partnership with Foster+Fathom and Grit Productions & Expositions aimed at reshaping production of three of its signature member activations, Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID), Chapter Leadership Summit (CLS) and MPItv. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in delivering innovative and unparalleled experiences for MPI audiences worldwide.

The partnership, which will span through December 2026, brings together the expertise and resources of two industry leaders, leveraging their respective strengths to offer comprehensive event solutions, cutting-edge technology and unparalleled creativity, and elevate the standard of MPI’s event production.

“MPI consistently seeks to align itself with partners who up our game, bringing creative and innovative solutions to our stellar portfolio,” said Drew Holmgreen, MPI Chief Brand Officer. “With Grit and Foster+Fathom now serving as long-term partners for CLS, GMID and MPItv, we are excited to explore how each of these individual offerings will continue to grow and meet our community’s needs.” 

Contained within the terms of the agreement, Foster+Fathom and Grit will be recognized as MarketSmart Advantage level partners. 

“We are excited and proud of this partnership with MPI,” said Grit Managing Partner Kelly Massey. “We’ve been privileged to work with MPI on both GMID and CLS for the past several years, producing both events from the Grit Studio, and we look forward to extending that collaboration to the redesign and broadcast of MPItv.” 

Echoing this sentiment, Foster+Fathom Managing Partner Steven G. Foster, CMP stated, "This partnership represents what our industry is all about, passionate, creative meeting and event professionals joining forces to deliver transformative experiences and unlock endless engagement opportunities." 

About Meeting Professionals International (MPI):
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the world’s largest professional development organization for the meeting and events industry. Founded in 1972, MPI provides innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities and business exchanges, and acts as a prominent voice for the promotion and growth of the industry. MPI has nearly 13,000 members and a global community of more than 110,000 meeting and event professionals in 75 countries with more than 70 chapters and clubs. “When we meet, we change the world.” mpi.org

About Grit Productions & Expositions:
Grit Productions & Expositions is a unique leader in the event industry offering a robust suite of turnkey services, including General Services Contractor, General Session production, video production, content creation, live event & off-site event production, meeting planning logistics, Grit Studio, and event freight shipping. Our “Grit Mindset” is execution focused. We are single-source providers of services and equipment while distinctively bringing a creative approach resulting in increased event production value by removing layers of vendors, delivering streamlined communications, and simplified invoicing.

About Foster+Fathom:
Foster+Fathom is a Leadership Development and Team-Giving Group in Dallas, TX. Its name and mission are one in the same; inspiring organizations and individuals to “grow and know” meaningful success with Passion, Power, and Purpose. “The Ride” is led by Managing Partner Steven G. Foster, CMP, an award-winning speaker, author, and business consultant who combines his passion for motorcycling as a Harley-Davidson LIFE Member with purposeful advocacy for giving back to the communities where we live, work, and meet to create Force Multipliers for the Greater Good.

Media Inquiries:
Christa Schelter, Marketing Manager
Meeting Professionals International
cschelter@mpi.org

Leigh Massey, Vice President Sales & Marketing
Grit Productions & Expositions
Phone: (817) 349-6410
leigh@gritprod.com // www.gritprod.com

Steven G. Foster, CMP, Managing Partner
Foster+Fathom
Phone: (972) 877-9995
stevenfoster@foster-fathom.com