Founded in 1972, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the largest and most vibrant global meeting and event industry association. The MPI Minnesota Chapter is a community where we want everyone to feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated. Our chapter is continuing to learn & grow to create an inclusive and diverse professional community. MPI has: • Approximately 18,500 members representing 71 countries • More than $22 billion in global buying power • 4,800 planner members exclusive to MPI with about $11.5 billion in buying power • More than 80 chapters and clubs in 22 countries WHAT IS MPI MINNESOTA CHAPTER? Established in 1978, the Meeting Professionals International Minnesota Chapter has over 460 members. The membership consists of planners (including corporate, independent, and association) as well as suppliers, affiliates (members that also belong to another primary chapter) and student members. Close to 50% of MPI Minnesota Chapter planners have annual budgets over $1,000,000 in local, national, and international destinations. Our supplier members represent airlines, hotels/resorts/conference centers/motels/inns, destination management companies, convention visitor bureaus/chambers of commerce, audio-visual/production companies, restaurants/caterers, entertainment agents, ground transportation companies, promotional product representatives, speakers/speakers bureaus, tourist attractions, and other varied services and product providers. The MPI Minnesota Chapter empowers its members to increase their strategic value with education, professional development, and business growth opportunities. It averages over 160 attendees per monthly educational meeting and over 180 attendees per special event.