Meeting Professionals International (MPI) announced a formal three-year extension and expanded community offerings with the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP). 

Since October 2020, the partnership has focused primarily on a joint membership offering that has resulted in 53 members across both organizations having taken advantage of the opportunity to be part of MPI and NCBMP.  

The updated partnership will extend through 2026 with ongoing renewals available for the two organizations to continue their collaboration. Among the primary features, the two associations will seek to collaborate on industry education efforts through shared virtual learning and in-person sessions at each of their annual signature events, including MPI's World Education Congress, Global Meetings Industry Day and NCBMP's Annual Conference.

"Our relationship with NCBMP has been special from the start," said MPI CEO Paul VanDeventer, "We have collaborated exceptionally well over the past three years and our collective communities, which are the focal point of our efforts, have been the beneficiaries. 

VanDeventer added, “We're thrilled to expand these benefits to the global meetings and events industry."

Specifics around the expanded and extended agreement include:

• Visible organizational engagement and collaboration. Reciprocal participation by NCBMP and MPI volunteer leaders to serve on committees or in a related capacity.
   
• Creation of education and programming through the MPI Academy, including four virtual sessions co-hosted by MPI and NCBMP.
   
• Education sessions and networking opportunities at each organization’s signature events: MPI’s World Education Congress and NCBMP’s 40^th Annual Conference.
   
• Collaboration on anti-human trafficking education for the industry.
   
• Collaboration with the MPI Foundation to promote grants and scholarships.

"When these talks were first initiated, both of our organizations saw incredible potential in this partnership," said NCBMP Executive Director Jason Dunn. "Three years later, we recognized the reality of that potential, and this purposeful expansion feels organic to what the industry and our community need from both of our organizations and associations in general. 

Dunn added, “We believe in building authentic relationships. The future is bright”. 

Updates on specific programming and education will be shared across the channels of both organizations.

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