Meeting Professionals International (MPI) continues its global expansion with the announcement of two new chapters - Korea and Brazil.

The creation of the new chapters culminates a year of efforts by meetings and events industry leaders in both countries, who recognize the need for local professionals to access the best in industry education to advance their professional development.

Bruce MacMillan, president and CEO of MPI commented, "These new chapters expand MPI's global footprint to South America and extends its presence in Asia. Building strong chapters is a key driver to growing our global community marketplace as well as activating our Global Knowledge Plan."

Currently, Korea has 62 members with expectations to increase that number to 112 by July 2009. Educational activities such as seminars, workshops, and the newly created Global Certificate in Meetings Operations 1 (GMCO), funded by the MPI Foundation, will soon be deployed in the region. Furthermore, discussions are underway for member exchange programs between Korean schools and the University of Nevada Las Vegas - Singapore Campus and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Since the opening of its Asia Pacific office last October, MPI has confirmed the first five members of its new Asian Partners Program: Intercontinental Hotels Group Asia Pacific, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels and Resorts, MCI, CIBTM and the Seoul Tourism Organization. All will support MPI's efforts in the Asia Pacific region in the upcoming years.

The Brazil Chapter, with a membership of 53, was a club prior to receiving official chapter status. Events organized thus far have concentrated on ROI, Planning and Strategies in Corporate Events, and Meeting Planning for Pharmaceutical Companies. The Brazil Chapter is projected to increase its membership to 108 in 2009 and then to 198 in 2010.

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