MPI’s World Education Congress will feature experimental new formats and a focus on real-world technology applications to create an engaging learning experiences for everyone based on new neurodiversity research and wellness activations such as puppy yoga and sound baths.
MPI’s World Education Congress has long been known as the annual event for working event planners looking for education, hosted-buyer opportunities and a robust trade show to find news about destinations. This year’s agenda includes some experimental new formats and a focus on real-world technology applications to create an engaging learning experiences for everyone based on new neurodiversity research and wellness activations such as puppy yoga and sound baths.
We asked Jessie States, CMP, CMM, vice president of MPI Consulting, for tips on what the 1,700 prospective attendees can expect when traveling to San Antonio next week.
Read More: Tips for Content that Changes Lives from Jessie States
Main Stage Energy
Keynotes amplify the “Bring Your Events to Life” theme with purpose-driven, future-forward messages. Dr. Magie Cook will share how adversity is the key to future identity. Her subsistence-to-salsa-empire story challenges meeting professionals to unlock their potential by building on their motivating story.
Jon Dorenbox will bring humor, heart and magic to the stage. Jim Kwik will share secrets for being unforgettable by design. As a memory expert, he will help everyone in the room hack brain behavior to create memorable experiences. And Lilah Jones will walk attendees through a personal and professional growth journey based on courage, curiosity…and discomfort. As a big tech marketing veteran, she will outline the new rules for being bold, leading differently and being proud of what you do.
New this year is The Break Down, an on-stage panel of commentators connecting the messages with real-world application in real time (full disclosure, I am one of the commentators during the opening general session). The addition came out of insights from the Joy Index, a measurement tool employed at WEC St. Louis in 2025, which revealed that audience engagement peaks when content is contextual, relational and immediately relevant.
A total of of 43 breakout sessions, arranged in three learning tracks, will focus on topics as applicable as how to apply AI, creating better experiences or showing the value of events.
Fun for a Cause
After hours events, including Rendezvous at the 1902 Club, raise funds for MPI Foundation which has to-date raised $14.8 million in education, scholarships and chapter support.
“We design the event to infuse the destination into the experience,” said States. Just as San Antonio’s logo is a colorful quatrefoil with four parts representing people, pride, promise and passion, the general sessions and the decor will be themed to interpret everything through distinct lenses. “It is a fiesta of ideas,” she explained. It is party with a purpose.
WEC kicks off with a barge ride along the River Walk to the Hard Rock Cafe San Antonio, where the theories of engaging through music and movement will be vividly demonstrated.
Similarly, at the Aztec Theatre, participants will take part in a hands-on drumming experience that’s all about connection and group energy. Rhythm and nonverbal cues influence crowd dynamics and shift people from passive to active participants.
Finally, at The Alamo, the focus will be on legacy and leadership. History tells the story of how momentary decisions create lasting impact.
Read More: Notes from the Road San Antonio
Another change this year is the introduction of dedicated Marketplace hours each day where no conflicting education can get in the way of exploring the partners sharing updates. Connection Corner lounge spaces will make room for more casual conversations…and checking emails.
A Resilience Room will also be available for those who may be feeling over-stimulated.
Beyond the fundraisers, Visit Omaha is leading a donation drive of new socks or gently used bras for the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter. Attendees can also participate in a hands-on art initiative with the Foundation for Hospital Art. BCFS Health and Human Services will be onsite to raise awareness of human trafficking and collect essential items to support survivors in their care.
A Food Waste-Wise Operation
Based on insights from the World Wildlife Fund and the U.S. Food Waste Pact along with a food waste audit conducted at WEC St. Louis 2025, directives from the Low Waste Events Toolkit will be practiced to reduce overproduction and embed waste prevention into event design and operations. Look for manageable proportions, clearly marketed recycling and water-conscious choices.
