DMAI, MPI Both Choose Orlando for Upcoming Events

Two industry organizations - Destination Marketing Association International and Meeting Professionals International - both have chosen sunny Orlando to host their industry meetings in the coming years.

At DMAI's Annual Convention, July 21-23 at the Westin Diplomat in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the announcement was made that the association would take its event to Orlando in 2013.

"As the association representing destinations around the world, DMAI could have selected any number of outstanding cities to host their conference, and we're thrilled that they chose Orlando," said Gary Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

He added, "We're also honored to host the world's great destination marketers and industry representatives in 2013. We certainly plan to roll out the orange carpet for everyone and to showcase all that Orlando offers from its acclaimed attractions to new accommodations, shopping, dining and cultural options."

For its 100th anniversary, DMAI officials said the event would be held in Las Vegas in 2014. "The partnership between DMAI and Las Vegas dates back more than five decades, and we are honored that DMAI has chosen us as the host destination for the centennial convention," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president & CEO of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.

Orlando seems to be the place to go for industry meetings because at Meeting Professionals International's World Education Congress, July 23-26 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in British Columbia, officials there announced they would be holding that event, too, in 2011 in the Sunshine State.

"We are thrilled to bring WEC 2011 to a city like Orlando with such a rich history in corporate social responsibility," said Bruce MacMillan, president and chief executive officer of MPI. "MPI will bring the latest in technology, strategic meeting management, CSR initiatives and education to bolster the evolution of our industry to Orlando."

MPI chose the Orange Country Convention Center as a venue after careful consideration of its selection criteria and of the site's corporate social responsibility bid element, including overall community commitment to key CSR principles, according to MPI officials. For example, the OCCC boasts the largest solar array in the Southeastern U.S. and donates more than one million in products from conferences to local charities annually.

"We are rolling out the green carpet for WEC attendees," said Kathie Canning, deputy general manager of the OCCC. "Orlando has enjoyed a long-lasting and successful relationship with MPI, and it was an easy decision to present our new CSR initiatives for meeting planners at WEC."

Sain added, "Orlando is honored to host this prestigious event and to showcase all that Orlando has added to its meetings offerings. Orlando is a destination built on creativity and imagination and we are confident that Congress attendees will find a great deal of inspiration during the Orlando show and throughout their stay in our destination."

Orlando also will be hosting the International Association of Exhibition's and Events annual meeting in 2012 and the Professional Convention Management Association's annual meeting in 2013, according to an Orlando/Orange County CVB spokeswoman.