SALT LAKE CITY- (July 15, 2009) Utahn’s know Salt Lake City is one of the best kept secrets in the country but thanks to a convention of influential meeting planners that is soon to change.

Meeting Professionals International’s (MPI) Annual World Education Conference wrapped up yesterday. A good showing during the convention will pay off for years to come as Salt Lake City hosts more large scale conventions. The Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau (SLCVB) anticipates a significant economic impact for its meeting and convention industry.

“We can absolutely quantify the direct economic impact from the stay of delegates for the MPI event at over $2 million,” said Scott Beck, president and CEO of the SLCVB noting that MPI delegates represent billions of dollars in meetings and conventions annually. “The long-term exposure of hosting MPI is where the real impact is going to be felt.”

The ‘stamp of approval’ this prestigious group bestows allows the SLCVB to show the world that Salt Lake is an ideal place to do business.
MPI is also excited to introduce its members to Salt Lake.

“Not many members have done events in Salt Lake,” said Vicki Hawarden, MPI’s vice president of knowledge and special events. “This is an opportunity to introduce them to a potential new place to bring their business.”





.