Successfully concluded the three days of MPI Italia convention 2023 in Sicily.
Over 100 professionals from the Italian meeting industry met in Sicily from 7 to 9 July 2023 for the 32nd MPI Italia Convention “Epica”
A rich program marked the time of the participants at Mangia’s Brucoli Resort: training contents, experiential activities inspired by the Sicilian spirit, and positive vibes of a regenerating context between nature and the sea, with the patronage of the Municipality of Catania and the Municipality of Augusta.
“I strongly wanted this Convention in Sicily, my land, convinced of the merits of this destination with a strong MICE vocation, which can count on a chain of operators in the meeting industry who work hard with professionalism, creativity and passion to organize quality events and impact.” – comments the newly elected President of MPI Italia, Alessia Di Raimondo – “EPICA wanted to be for all of us on the MPI Italia Board the promise of an event that was memorable in a land capable of hosting legendary events. Sicily seduced the participants and the exceptional team of local partners added nuances to a very colorful picture. I begin my presidency with a team that has been renewed with new professional figures, all female, and who will work very well for our Association, aiming for a growing service for members and intensified international relations with the other European MPI chapters”.
An edition supported by the reception staff of the masters of the Master THEM of the BeAcademy, a colorful and dynamic team-building curated by Eclittica Creating Emotions, where the painting of Sicilian carts and a race aboard the ancient vehicle of the Trinacria amused the participants and favored the relationships, represented thanks to the shots of Raccontare con la Luce.
The content program was much appreciated and developed along a common thread. From the organizational culture and the figure of the Chief Happiness Officer treated by the expert of positive organizations Daniela Di Ciaccio, to the evolution of the event manager into an event strategist commented by Angeles Moreno of AIM Group Spain; from the new challenges of artificial intelligence discussed by Prof. Sebastiano Battiato of the University of Catania, to the panel dedicated to communication and language, moderated by Letizia Pini, expert in Public Relations, with the speakers Massimo Arcangeli, linguist, sociologist of communication and literary critic, and Bruno Mastroianni, journalist and philosopher, collaborator for RaiPlay and RaiTeche.
Important value was given to the certifications applied to the MICE world, on which an in-depth study was made by Andrea Spessa, Director of DNV Maritime Italy, sponsor of the event, and by Maddalena Milone, certified Meeting & Event Manager and CEO Meeting Planner. Emotional conclusion with the input on effective relationship management transmitted by the Life & Business Coach Francesco Scimò and with the musical vibrations of the orchestra professor of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Piero Canuti, who transferred useful teachings on management of kind leadership, change management and diversity.
The EPICA dinner signed by Eclittica was spectacular, with decorations and arrangements by Panta Rhei Wedding and Marletta Noleggi, which immersed the participants, strictly dressed in white, in an olive grove embellished with epic projections, elegant performers and an enveloping atmosphere inspired by the ancient Greece to recall the influences of the Sicilian territory, enriched by the floral and fruity notes of the gin tasted for a welcome signed by Volcano Gin.
Networking is always at the heart of MPI Italia activities, even between sponsoring companies and Italian operators who have flocked to Sicily. Appreciated the setting up of an EpicGround which made it possible to present realities such as Exquisito Box together with the other sponsors and partners of the event. The experiential activity coordinated by MINE Beyond Events on the final Sunday in Catania was very engaging and appreciated by the participants, including cultural visits to the Benedictine Monastery, a UNESCO heritage site, and a cooking class signed by Cotumè in the elegant baroque setting of the Dimora De Mauro.
Great value continues to be recognized by MPI Italia in sustainability and social responsibility. BWH Hotel Group and the “Inclusive Hotel” project, in collaboration with Làbilità Onlus, presented by Senior Sales Manager MICE, Claudia Conte, were awarded the CSR Award 2023, the 4th edition of the coveted award which this year awarded the inclusion and the enhancement and respect of diversity, starting with autism spectrum disorders.
During the convention it has been elected the new 2023-2024 board:
– Alessia Di Raimondo, President;
– Giuseppina Cardinale, Immediate Past President;
– Luisa Bianco, President Elect;
– Maria Grazia Sapigni, VP Education;
– Martina Gatti, VP Finance;
– Lindsey Coleman, VP Membership;
– Ileana Coiana, VP Special Projects & Sustainability;
– Valeria Pennone, VP Sponsorship;
– Noemi Savoca, VP Student
and Matilde Ciardelli is the new head of the secretariat
Next appointment for the national community of professional meetings is on September 8th at the Querini Stampalia Foundation in Venice for a new awaited edition of the Movie Charity Auction, the tenth, as part of the 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival.
MPI Italia Chapter, launched in 1991, is the Italian chapter of the international association MPI (Meeting Professionals International, founded in Dallas, USA in 1972) More than 17,000 members in 24 countries belong to MPI International, representing all the professionals of the events and meeting industry. Together with the Italian association Federgongressi, MPI Italia Chapter manages the courses and exams for certification in Meeting Event Management.