Las Vegas, Oct 16 2014 – For more than 105 college students from 24 universities across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum (FLF) at IMEX America 2014 is more than just a break from studies – it is a defining career moment in the meetings industry.
That’s exactly the goal that IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom envisioned 11 years ago when he launched this education program designed to prepare next-generation leaders in the fast-growing global meetings field. The two-day program runs through today at the Sands Expo® in Las Vegas.
Bloom said, “Featuring sessions on hot topics led by industry thought leaders, professional development training and a wide array of networking opportunities, FLF aims to ignite the passion of all attendees and entice them into rewarding careers that will shape the direction of the meetings industry.”
This is particularly true this week according to several participants:
-“By talking with other students going into the industry I have found FLF has helped me broaden my perspective and career options.” – Andrea Larimer, University of Arkansas
-“I have already met more than 70 people from around the U.S. and even Australia, and they will be good connections when I graduate in May.” – Katelynn Cassidy, University of Arkansas
-“FLF has opened my eyes and broadened my horizons. I am committed to a career in the meetings industry, and now know I can step out of my comfort zone and reach for bigger opportunities in other parts of the country.” – Rachel Williams, Stephen F. Austin State University
-“FLF has been an eye-opener. I am now more aware of cultural differences and how they can make or break a relationship. I also realize I can reach for higher career opportunities in the meetings industry than I previously thought possible.” –Hunter Hayes, Stephen F. Austin State University
A course sampling from this week’s program includes:
-“What I Learnt About Leadership, I Learnt from Rock’n’Roll” – Debra Zabloudil, President & CEO, The Learning Studio
-“Crossroads of Culture” – Avinash Chandrarana, Group Learning & Development Director, MCI Group
-“Five Things Your Professors Haven’t Told You About the Real World” – Tyra W. Hilliard, Speaker, Writer and Multipreneur, Hillard Associates.
The FLF, jointly run by IMEX, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and MCI, has educated 6500+ students via 100+ events since the program’s inception. Typically co-located with select industry trade shows, forums have been held in 15 countries including Turkey, Africa, Slovenia and North America. The IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leadership Forum at IMEX America is supported by The Venetian® l The Palazzo ® and Luxor Las Vegas.
Kelly Truit, a senior at the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management, sums up FLF the best: “Walking the exhibition floor, talking with companies and participating in education sessions have been exceptional experiences. From the class about leadership, for example, I learned the basics of being a leader in a real-world context. And by networking, I have been able to land a job interview. I highly recommend FLF for anyone seriously considering a career in the meetings and events industry.”
