SITE & MPI Announce Keynotes for Global Forum

The keynote presentations at the SITE + MPI Global Forum , taking place in Rome, Italy  from January 12-14, 2018,  will focus on how breakthrough ideas occur when concepts from diverse industries, cultures and disciplines intersect.

The forum is the first time Society for Incentive Excellence (SITE) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) have come together for a global event to share industry trends, offer innovative education and provide a collaborative yet exclusive environment for networking and business exchanges.

“We are thrilled to have assembled a diverse and respected group of meeting and incentive industry leaders and keynote speakers for the SITE + MPI Global Forum,” said Annamaria Ruffini, CIS, CMP SITE president-elect and CEO Events In & Out S.R.L. “We look forward to inspiring and equipping delegates with new and innovative information to advance their business and careers, as well as providing them the unique opportunity to connect with meeting and incentive industry peers from all over the world in Rome.”

More than 30 tailored education sessions will provide exclusive access to new ideas, new connections and new experiences designed to deliver business results and reset and re-energize delegates’ perspectives and creativity. The education includes separate tracks for incentive travel and meetings management professionals, as well as concurrent sessions focused on each industry’s hottest trends, specifically designed to connect meeting and incentive professionals.

The forum’s keynote presentations are:

• A Day in the Life of Ancient Rome (Opening Plenary Session – Friday, January 12, 2018) – The year is 115 AD and Imperial Rome is at the height of its power. Admired in his native Italy for his ability to bring history to life through narrative, paleontologist Alberto Angela will open up the ancient world and take delegates on a journey back in time for you to experience a day in the life of ancient Rome. An author of many books, Angela also produces a number of long running and popular Italian television shows on history, travel, discovery, exploration, and space.
• The Medici Effect (Morning Plenary Session – Saturday, January 13, 2018) – In his signature talk, Fran Johansson urges individuals and organizations to break down the silos and step into “the intersection” – a place where different fields, disciplines, departments, and cultures converge to create new, remarkable breakthroughs. As CEO of The Medici Group, Johansson advises executive leadership from some of the world’s largest companies (including 30 percent of the Fortune 100), as well as startups, venture capital firms, government agencies, and universities. He is also author to two books –The Medici Effect and The Click Moment – and the host of a podcast centered on diversity driving innovation. Raised in Sweden by his African-American/Cherokee mother and Swedish father, Johansson has lived all his life at the intersection. He previously presented at MPI’s 2011 European Meeting and Events Conference in Düsseldorf, Germany.
• Storyteller Plenary Sessions (Part 1 – Saturday, January 13, 2018/Part 2 – Sunday, January 14) – We often look outside of our own industry for inspiration and knowledge, but some of the most powerful stories come directly from our community. This two-part session will get kicked off by a professional storyteller who will share the power of storytelling, followed by four storytellers from the meeting and incentive community.
• Twist- How Fresh Perspectives Build Breakthrough Brands (Closing Plenary Session – Sunday, January 14, 2018) – In this actionable, inspiring presentation Julie Cottineau, author of the best-selling book, “TWIST: How Fresh Perspectives Build Breakthrough Brands,” will share tools and tips to twist the experience and take the learning home, focusing on five major takeaways from the forum with actionable next steps. Cottineau honed her branding chops as VP of Brand for Richard Branson’s Virgin company and at Interbrand and Grey Global and is often quoted in top business media such as Entrepreneur, CNN Money and Wharton Business Radio.

“Our teams have designed an excellent program for SITE + MPI Global Forum that will help delegates expand their skills, imagination and expertise. The educational program will feature great thinkers and doers to inspire delegates, and most sessions align to CMP International Standards,” added Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International.

Other program highlights include the opening celebration, MPI Foundation’s Rendezvous fundraiser and networking event, SITE Chapter Excellence and Crystal Awards, the closing dinner, and optional incentive quality pre- and post-tours.

SITE and the MPI Academy will also offer four pre-conference certificate programs providing delegates the opportunity to advance their professional development and grow their careers. Additional fees apply for pre-conference courses.