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The Orange County Convention Center—considered the second largest convention space in the United States— in Orlando, Florida has been affirmed by Meeting Professionals International as its host for the   2011 World Education Congress (WEC), which takes place July 23 – 26, 2011.  The announcement was made during the 2010 WEC, which was held last month at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

The Orlando facility was selected after an intensive consideration of several venues and destinations. Ultimately, this venue’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, which included such initiatives as the largest solar array in the Southeastern U.S. and the donation of more than $1 million annually, in products left over from conferences to local charities, swayed MPI. 

“We are thrilled to bring WEC 2011 to a city like Orlando with such a rich history in corporate social responsibility,” said Bruce MacMillan, President & Chief Executive Officer of MPI. “MPI will bring the latest in technology, strategic meeting management, CSR initiatives and education to bolster the evolution of our industry to Orlando.”

Convention Center executives are excited to host one of the most important meetings for planners of the year and eager to show off their environmental bona fides. “We are rolling out the green carpet for WEC attendees,” said Kathie Canning, Deputy General Manager of the Orange County Convention Center. “Orlando has enjoyed a long-lasting and successful relationship with MPI and it was an easy decision to present our new CSR initiatives for meeting planners at WEC.”

The 2010 WEC attracted 2,700 attendees, a 13 percent increase over the 2009 event. MPI is projecting a similar increase for next year's WEC. 

In addition to a comprehensive educational program and extensive exhibition floor, the organization will continue the MPI Hosted Buyer Program, which brings together meeting planners, destinations and other suppliers during the event. Implemented in 2010, the MPI Hosted Buyer Program received a 98 percent satisfaction rating by participants.

The Orange County Convention Center—often called “The Center of Hospitality”— features 7 million square feet of combined meeting and public space, including 74 meeting rooms/235 breakout rooms, a 62,182-square-foot multi-purpose room, the 2,643-seat Chapin Theater and a 160-seat lecture hall. In addition, the venue offers an astounding 2.1 million square feet of exhibit ion space, 1.1 million square feet of which is contiguous; two 92,000-square foot general assembly areas; three full-service restaurants; eight food courts and three business centers.  The venue hosts more than 200 events, annually attracting an estimated 1.4 million attendees, accounting for approximately $1.9 billion to the area’s economic impact annually.

“Orlando is honored to host this prestigious event and to showcase all that Orlando has added to its meetings offerings,” said Gary Sain, President/CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.