NEWS

Meeting Professionals Embrace the Spotlight: Gleaning Business Acumen from Broadway's Elite Talents.

Dallas, TX – April 24, 2024 - Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the largest global association for meeting and event planners with nearly 13,000 members, is excited to unveil a standout keynote session for its upcoming conference, WEC Louisville, which takes place May 20-22, 2024 at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The session, conducted through a partnership with Broadway Plus and sponsored by Hilton is titled "Broadway to Boardroom: Business Best Practices from Backstage" and will be held on May 22, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM during WEC's morning General Session.

This year's session, in partnership with Broadway Plus and sponsored by Hilton, offers attendees an intimate look at the intersecting worlds of Broadway performance and business acumen. The event will feature a panel of distinguished Broadway performers: Jessica Lee Goldyn (A Chorus Line, Moulin Rouge!), Kyle Taylor Parker (Kinky Boots, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory), and Fergie Philippe (Hamilton, Camelot). The discussion will be moderated by Shawn Parker, Executive Director of Strategic Accounts & Corporate Group Sales at Hilton. 

The performance-meets-panel experience crafts a unique narrative and continues WEC Louisville's strategy of marrying the arts and education, according to Jessie States, vice president of the MPI Academy. “Incorporating the voices of Broadway into this year’s WEC Louisville not only enriches our program but provides our members with unparalleled insights into performance under pressure. These artists excel in a high-stakes environment much like our own, making their experiences directly relevant and immensely valuable to our community.” 

The panelists will share their experiences handling the pressures of Broadway, drawing parallels to the business environment. They will delve into strategies for managing high-stress roles, engaging with complex stakeholders and achieving career longevity. The session aims to equip professionals with insights into harnessing creativity and confidence in their careers. 

“Broadway Plus is thrilled to take the spotlight at MPI’s WEC Louisville! We are excited to dazzle attendees with our unforgettable experiences and provide a dynamic, unique general session for WEC,” says Corey Steinfast, vice president of sales at Broadway Plus. “We are ready for a show-stopping general session that will leave attendees inspired and energized!” 

Jessica Lee Goldyn, known for her roles in Moulin Rouge! and the Broadway Revival of A Chorus Line, brings insights from her expansive career in dance. Kyle Taylor Parker, celebrated for his roles in Kinky Boots and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and his musical career, will share his journey from stage to studio. Fergie Philippe, a veteran of Hamilton and Camelot and an accomplished Shakespearean actor, offers a classical perspective on performance and creativity. 

Join us for this unique merging of artistic passion and business strategy, designed to inspire and empower today's professionals. 

For more information on the keynote and to register for WEC Louisville 2024, please visit mpi.org/wec. 

About Broadway Plus

Broadway Plus stands at the forefront as the premier provider of Official VIP experiences for all things Broadway. Their array of services encompasses full-service corporate event planning, engaging hosts and keynote speakers, bespoke concert productions, exclusive cast events, and group sales ticketing. Since inception in 2016, Broadway Plus has flourished, proudly representing an esteemed cadre of over 3500 top-tier Broadway talents. Among them are numerous Tony Award nominees and luminaries from acclaimed productions such as Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King, captivating audiences worldwide with their extraordinary performances and appearances. 

Media Inquiries:
Peggy Foley, Marketing Manager
Meeting Professionals International
pfoley@mpi.org