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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Donna Andrews or Rebecca Rodgers
St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission
(314) 421-1023 or pr@explorestlouis.com

The World Meets In St. Louis

ST. LOUIS -- October 9, 2008 -- At its meeting in Brussels this past weekend, the International Board of Directors of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) selected St. Louis as the host city for its World Education Congress (WEC) in 2012.

The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC) and a team of regional partners successfully bid for the MPI event, which attracts thousands of worldwide meeting and convention planners. There are few events of this stature available for a community and securing one is tough competition. St. Louis beat out a number of first tier cities vying for the prize booking, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Toronto and Philadelphia.

"What sets this event apart from other meetings or sporting events that St. Louis hosts is that MPI WEC attendees represent organizations that hold their own meetings and conventions," said Kathleen "Kitty" Ratcliffe, president of the CVC. "In 2012, WEC attendees will experience St. Louis and weigh our community as an option for their future meetings and conventions."

According to Bruce MacMillan, President and CEO of MPI, St. Louis was selected because it fulfills MPI's strategic imperatives to elevate content, member experiences and conversation. The organization's mission is to create a rich learning experience and global marketplace opportunity, making attendees more successful. MPI reviewed each bid candidate's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) element and overall community commitment to key CSR principles. There are more than 24,000 MPI members in 69 chapters and clubs worldwide.

The effort to secure the major hospitality industry event for St. Louis was a collaborative one, as the CVC worked with area hotel partners and the St. Louis Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (SLAMPI) to present the winning bid. Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the meetings and events industry's largest and most vibrant global community helps our members thrive by providing human connections to knowledge and ideas, relationships and marketplaces. For additional information, visit mpiweb.org.

The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission is the official destination marketing organization for St. Louis City and County for visitors of all types. The CVC also operates the America's Center convention complex and the Edward Jones Dome. 

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