September 30, 2025 — Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world’s largest association for meeting and event professionals, announces its keynote speakers, a robust education lineup, and a groundbreaking research initiative debuting at IMEX America 2025, including Smart Monday and
_She Means Business, _brought to you by IMEX and tw magazine, and supported by MPI.
Smart Monday takes place on Monday, Oct. 6, followed by IMEX America, Oct. 7-9, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
MPI + IMEX: 15+ Years of Partnership
MPI and IMEX celebrate more than 15 years of partnership, continuing to strengthen IMEX America’s reputation as a must-attend event for the global meetings and events industry. MPI once again leads Smart Monday, a dedicated day of top-notch educational offerings and forward-thinking professional development all aligned with the CMP International Standards.
“For more than two decades, MPI and IMEX have partnered to deliver world-class education, thought leadership, and connection opportunities that elevate our industry,” said Paul Van Deventer, MPI President & CEO. “Our role at IMEX America reflects our shared commitment to empowering meeting and event professionals with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Together, we continue to shape IMEX America into not only a marketplace for business, but a true hub for innovation, collaboration, and community.”
Keynote Speakers
Attendees will hear from a distinctive lineup of talent during the three keynote sessions within Mandalay Bay Convention Center at IMEX America 2025, including:
- Rob Lawless – _The Untapped Value of Human Connection_ Known for his “Robs10kFriends” project, Rob shares how intentional connections foster inclusion, innovation, and stronger organizational cultures.
- Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa – Workplace Wellness that’s Smart for Business. A physician, poet, and advocate, Dr. Oriuwa explores the neuroscience of wellness and burnout, offering strategies for creating mentally healthy workplaces.
- Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D. – _Navigating the Complexities of Macroeconomics for Business Success_ An internationally acclaimed economist, Eisenberg simplifies economic trends like inflation, labor, and consumer sentiment, empowering leaders to make informed business decisions.
“Our long-standing partnership with MPI is one of the cornerstones of IMEX America’s success. Together, we deliver a high-level education program, bringing in world-class speakers who not only inspire but also equip our industry with the insights and strategies needed to thrive.”
said Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group. “The strength of this collaboration ensures IMEX America remains a must-attend event where business, innovation, and professional growth come together.”
Smart Monday Education
MPI Academy brings its industry-best education and professional development opportunities to the industry through a wealth of programming during Smart Monday. MPI will offer complimentary education sessions rooted in IMEX’s talking point _Impact 2.0_, helping professionals activate purpose and drive meaningful change.
She Means Business, brought to you by IMEX and tw magazine, and supported by MPI, is returning. This is a conversation for all attendees that focuses on elevating gender equality, diversity, and leadership. This year’s program includes a live recording of Meetings Today’s podcast, “Dare to Interrupt,” in which panelists will share unfiltered stories and strategies shaping the future of the meetings, hospitality, and tourism industries.
MPI Academy is offering Certificate Courses at Smart Monday, including the following.
* HMCC/MMP Certificate at the Viticus Group
* MICE Fundamentals Certificate Course
* AI-Enhanced Sales Professional Certificate Course
New: Neurodiversity Research with ASAE Research Foundation
For the first time at IMEX America, the MPI Foundation will showcase its collaboration with the ASAE Research Foundation to advance neuroinclusion in meetings and events.
Through their Foundations, MPI and ASAE are leading the first industry-wide study designed to identify practical strategies for making association and corporate events more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for individuals with neurodiversity.
Attendees are invited to preview initial results at the MPI Booth on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
“Meetings and events are where our industries come to life, and inclusion must reflect the full diversity of our communities, including neurodivergent individuals,” said Paul Van Deventer, President & CEO of MPI. “This partnership with the ASAE Research Foundation allows us to move beyond awareness into action, creating tangible solutions that help event professionals design experiences where everyone can fully
participate.”
“Associations are in the business of bringing people together to solve problems, share knowledge, and advance their missions,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “Ensuring those experiences are inclusive of neurodivergent participants strengthens our entire community. This groundbreaking research with MPI will give association leaders and event organizers the tools they need to design meetings and events where every voice can be heard, and every participant can thrive.”
The research explores barriers and best practices across governance, leadership, operations, meetings, membership, and advocacy, moving beyond ADA compliance toward proactively designed experiences that embrace neurodiversity as a strength.
Rendezvous at IMEX America
MPI brings the excitement of its events to IMEX, including the popular Rendezvous at Drai’s Beach Club and Nightclub on Wednesday, Oct. 8. This is an annually sold-out event to benefit MPI Foundation, so purchase your tickets quickly and experience exceptional networking opportunities with industry colleagues. Tickets are available at
https://www.mpi.org/events/
MPI Booth Education (October 7-9)
MPI offers a diverse selection of micro-learning sessions that take place in MPI’s booth in the Expo hall. Our presenters are dedicated to guiding participants from intellectual understanding to heartfelt connection. Sessions cover topics such as career advancement, business practices, technology, and sustainability.
For the complete booth education schedule, visit:
https://www.mpi.org/events/
Workforce Development
MPI continues to advance its workforce development through two separate projects: one in high schools with Visit Detroit and a reimagining of the popular IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum with IMEX. In Detroit, the partners are expanding their existing high school certificate to additional schools and working toward a long-term legacy awareness model that can scale across North American high schools. With IMEX, we have initiated an agreement with Strategy Table to expand the reach and scope of the Future Leaders Forum for college students, career transitioners, and beyond.
About IMEX America
IMEX America, the world’s premier exhibition for incentive travel, meetings & events, will take place from October 7 to 9, 2025, at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on October 6.
www.imexamerica.com
About MPI
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest association in the meeting and event industry worldwide, offering innovative and relevant education, networking opportunities, and business exchanges. With nearly 13,000 members founded on the belief that meeting and event planners wield significant influence and create lasting change in the world, MPI offers its members professional development, community building, and organizational visibility unmatched by any other organization.
