Event Recap: MPISCC (WE)Con 2022 "For the Love of the Industry"

This year’s (WE)Con theme, “For the Love of Our Industry,” provided over 180 meeting and event industry professionals with a foundation of inspiring, innovative, and best practices integrated throughout the conference. It was great to meet attendees who traveled near and far to attend (WE)Con.

There were many educational and networking opportunities for planners and partners to experience at the conference. One option included the Planner Partner Program, which allowed select planner participants to gain industry knowledge through scheduled partner meetings and exclusive events. In addition, I observed a vibrant meeting room filled with conversation between the planners and event suppliers!

Conference attendees enjoyed networking throughout Paséa Hotel & Spa venues and on the beach.  The outdoor Ocean Lawn venue hosted breakfast, lunch, and breaks for conference attendees. The Welcome Reception networking event featured food & drink stations accentuated with colorful living décor, a live (and lively) band, and styled furnishings accessory rentals. The Treehouse by Tanner, a spectacular rooftop venue, hosted our Hawaiian-themed Tiki Time happy hour reception. Lastly, optional morning wellness activities on the beach allowed participants the opportunity to network on a beach walk and a yoga session. As you can imagine, there were lots of opportunities for selfies and group photos!

Throughout the conference, (WE)Con sponsors and vendors showcased their tabletop exhibits for participants to inquire about their brands and services. 

General session keynote speakers highlighted this year’s theme of “For the Love of our Industry” through their messages: 

• Kiaundra Jackson, LMFT: Staying inspired in our work as hospitality professionals.
• Deena Brown, Ph.D. SHRM-SCP: Shifting our thoughts of “we” and how our actions affect each other.
• Bryan Churchill, Marissa Pettys, and Monique Boyd: Details, statistics, and first-hand perspectives of recent and upcoming events in Greater Los Angeles.
• West Coast DMO Alliance - Ozzie Otero, Veronica Rivera, Dana Higgins, Joe Marcy, and Mariles Krok, CMP, CMM, CTA, facilitated by Mandi Graziano: Discussions on the benefits of working and collaborating with Destination Management Organizations (DMOs).
• Michael Dominguez, CHSE: Navigating industry trends and leadership tips for meeting & event professionals. 

The educational and hands-on breakout sessions kept attendees inspired and energized while offering something for everyone, including creating charcuterie boards, learning how to paint, and safety tips for event professionals. For more information on the general and breakout session speakers, be sure to check MPISCC's LinkedIn and Instagram pages.

Thanks to all MPISCC members, sponsors, exhibitors, suppliers, Paséa Hotel & Spa staff, vendors, and guests. Acknowledgments to the MPISCC Board and volunteer committees for their work in planning and coordinating this event! 

Diana Pointer