Networking opportunities are as important as the professional education and exhibition hall elements of a convention or congress. Because most people tend to skip closing events, it's important that the closing night reception should leave attendees feeling exited and energized by the process -- if you want people to stay for it.
Event and meeting planners should identify an event or theme that is related to the destination and location where the event is held. MPI WEC 2008 held its closing night reception at The Beach at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
MGM Mirage and Mandlay Bay sponsored the closing night reception for MPI WEC 2008, along with the House of Blues. Event and meeting planners should create opportunities to leverage venue sponsorships to help underwrite convention special events, including the closing night receptions.