Following a successful event in Copenhagen, the London host committee has taken the helm as host city of the MPI Professional Education Conference-Europe, with exciting plans to attract the best ever attendance at a PEC-Europe event.

With a strong emphasis on ‘co-creation’, the 2008 event will see MPI and the host city work together as never before to achieve this goal.  

The committee, including representatives from MPI, Visit London, VisitBritain, and ExCeL London, intends to maximise the opportunities presented by holding the PEC-Europe in a world-class, inspirational city such as London, by securing the biggest number of first-time attendees and the highest number of corporate planners, when the conference is held at ExCeL London in April 2008.

The record numbers are anticipated as planners are expected to take the opportunity to witness the latest developments in a city that is undergoing exciting transformation and regeneration ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Barbara Jamison, Visit London’s Sales Manger Europe, says: “With new venues and developments, like The O₂, Wembley Stadium and St Pancras International coming on stream just ahead of the PEC-Europe 2008, it’s an ideal time for event planners and suppliers alike to discover a city of so many new possibilities. We believe London is the most unique and inspirational city in the world and we’re delighted to be working closely with MPI and the host committee to help deliver the best MPI PEC-Europe yet, which will allow all the delegates and organisers to unlock their potential.” 

As the gateway city to the rest of the UK, with excellent transport connections, London is ideally positioned to allow delegates to visit other areas of England, as well as Scotland and Wales, before or after the PEC-Europe 2008.    

The event itself will be held at a future Olympic venue, ExCeL London. Situated in the heart of London's dynamic and growing East End in a superb waterside location, ExCeL London is a new and fresh venue in a unique campus environment ideal for networking and socialising.

Vanessa Cotton, ExCeL London Managing Director, Conference & Events, says: “We're delighted to be hosting the MPI PEC-Europe at ExCeL London. It's a privilege to have some of the leading professionals from across Europe and the US come to our city and we look forward to welcoming every delegate. ExCeL London is one of London's signature venues and stands in the most progressive area of the City. We'll create an environment that will give visitors a highly productive PEC-Europe and an enjoyable visit to London.”

MPI will not rely purely on the obvious attraction of the city and its facilities to bring in the numbers. The organisation, working hand in hand with the host committee, will look to widen its target audience to attract new members and non-members who are meeting planners, as well as targeting previously unexplored sectors and industries.   

“PEC-Europe in London will be the perfect blending of a truly global city with a global meetings industry community,” says Mark Andrew, MPI chair. “This is an opportunity for our members to experience cross-cultural connections to knowledge and ideas that will ultimately make them more successful.”

The event, from 18–20 April 2008, will take place just days prior to IMEX 2008 and with convenient transport links to Frankfurt, delegates will be encouraged to combine both events to create Europe’s biggest ever week of education, networking and trading in the meetings arena.