Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the world’s largest meeting and event industry association, has selected the Tampa Convention Center and the City of Tampa as the host for the 2030 edition of its flagship event, the World Education Congress (WEC). This solidifies Tampa’s reputation as a top-tier destination for meetings and conventions, and the Tampa Convention Center’s status as the leading conference facility in the Southeast.
“Top meeting professionals from around the world will get a chance to experience first-hand all that our center has to offer,” said David Ingram, Tampa Convention Center Executive Director. “Our award-winning team stands ready to provide an unforgettable event and showcase why meeting professionals have named us the best convention center in the region.”
Complementing Tampa Convention Center, MPI’s WEC will be supported by Visit Tampa Bay’s Meeting Services Team. Recognized by Meetings Today as a 2024 premier Destination Marketing Organization, VTB provides exceptional service and innovative solutions for event planners, meeting professionals and attendees. Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay, says that customer-focused approach will unlock all of Tampa Bay’s treasures – delectable dining, luxury accommodations, exciting attractions – as MPI prepares to convene in Tampa.
“We’re delighted Tampa Bay is the 2030 home for MPI’s flagship conference,” said Corrada. “This decision signifies Tampa, along with its world class award-winning facilities and customer service, have made a lasting impression with the meeting industry’s largest professional organization. We look forward to working with MPI to make the 2030 WEC a wildly successful event.”
MPI Attendee Experience
As MPI prepares to host its 2030 WEC, the organization will partner with Visit Tampa Bay and Tampa Convention Center to create an industry-shaping experience for attendees – one that blends business innovation with the energy and hospitality of this thriving destination.
“WEC is where our industry’s brightest minds gather to shape what’s next,” said Colleen Connor, Senior Director of Events at MPI. “Tampa Bay stood out not only for its energy and hospitality, but for its commitment to accessibility. We’re proud to host WEC 2030 in a destination that makes it easier for everyone to connect and participate.”
Slated for June 2030, MPI WEC will bring 2,500 of the most influential members of the meetings industry to the region. Derek Enos, President-elect of MPI’s Tampa Bay Area Chapter, said Tampa Bay provides the perfect backdrop for attendees to gather as MPI connects the global meeting and event community to learn, innovate, collaborate, and advocate.
“We are extremely excited that Tampa Bay was selected as the host for MPI WEC 2030,” Enos said. “This is the ideal opportunity to showcase our amazing destination that continues to grow year after year. Tampa is a premier destination for all things meeting related and we are looking forward to welcoming some of the best meeting professionals across the globe!”
About the Tampa Convention Center
Located in the heart of Downtown Tampa, Florida, the Tampa Convention Center offers sparkling waterfront views, 600,000 square feet of transformable event spaces, and state-of-the-art amenities for event and meeting planners. The venue has won several prestigious awards, including the gold medal for Best Convention Center in the Southeast U.S. from the Northstar Stella Awards in 2024 and 2023, a Best Convention Center designation in the Smart Stars Awards from Smart Meetings, and was named among 20 Centers of Excellence by Exhibitor Magazine. The center is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2025, having opened in 1990. Tampa Convention Center is committed to sustainability, achieving LEED Silver for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Certification for green buildings.