I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to travel for work, which allowed me to attend the World Education Conference (WEC) in St. Louis, MO, this year. This event, organized by Meeting Professionals International (MPI), is particularly significant to me as I serve on the Gulf States Chapter Board. Founded in 1972, MPI was established to create a supportive community for professionals in this field. Their mission was to unite individuals, empower industry members, and enhance the significance of meetings and events. Over the past 53 years, MPI has evolved into the foremost global association for event professionals, boasting over 60,000 members and participants across more than 70 chapters and clubs worldwide. The organization is committed to providing its members with essential resources, education, and networking opportunities to foster their success.
I was thrilled to participate in this conference and arrived in St. Louis a day early. Having visited this charming city several times before, I have developed a deep appreciation for it. Since I had already explored some of its iconic landmarks, such as the Gateway Arch, I opted to discover new attractions I had long wished to see. St. Louis and New Orleans are often regarded as sister cities due to their shared cultural heritage, both originating as French colonies. While St. Louis lacks the Cajun and Creole influences of New Orleans, it still evokes a similar ambiance in certain areas. Each city boasts a French Quarter, characterized by historic French-style architecture and vibrant speakeasies that feature live blues and jazz music late into the night. This common cultural foundation and historical connection highlight the similarities between St. Louis and New Orleans.
I must admit, I felt an immediate sense of belonging in this lively city along the Mississippi River. Arriving on an early Southwest flight before 9 a.m., I checked into the Hotel Indigo, a charming boutique hotel located downtown. This historic property was originally built in 1909 as a business complex, designed by architect Isaac S. Taylor. Its striking red-brick exterior, adorned with intricate cast-iron cornices and beautifully carved wood moldings, reflects the grandeur of its era.
After checking in, I boarded the MetroLink, an efficient mode of transportation throughout the city. This light rail system spans 46 miles and connects 38 stations across Missouri and Illinois. My destination was the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, which turned out to be a highlight of my visit. This museum features impressive exhibitions and is a must-see for anyone traveling to St. Louis. The exhibition dedicated to the 1904 World’s Fair was particularly captivating, showcasing a remarkable replica diorama that serves as the centerpiece. Notably, this fair remains the largest in history, reflecting extraordinary ingenuity and effort. Additionally, the classic film Meet Me in St. Louis, featuring my favorite actress Judy Garland, is set during this fair, where she also performs my all-time favorite holiday song, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”
Another remarkable exhibition was Gateway To Pride, which chronicled the history of LGBTQ+ individuals in St. Louis. This engaging display offered a captivating exploration of the community’s history, lifestyle, and challenges, spanning from the Native American presence in the region to contemporary times. LGBTQIA+ people have been part of St. Louis from the beginning. Until recently, however, their lives, struggles, and contributions have often been overlooked. In Gateway to Pride, the Missouri History Museum presented the first-ever full-scale exhibit on St. Louis’s fascinating and powerfully relevant LGBTQIA+ history. It provided a meaningful way to spend an afternoon, complemented by a delightful lunch at a local restaurant pop-up, A Taste of Amighetti’s. I savored their fried ravioli and the signature sandwich, featuring Amighetti’s freshly baked Italian bread, an array of toppings including cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onion, pepperoncini, ham, roast beef, salami, and a unique Amighetti special sauce that combines mayonnaise with sweet Italian dressing.
After checking into the America’s Center Convention Complex for the conference, I met a friend at The Embassy Suites for Happy Hour, where guests enjoyed complimentary cocktails and snacks. This delightful start to the evening led us to a free open house and concert at the National Blues Museum. For anyone passionate about blues or music in general, this museum is a treasure trove, dedicated to preserving the legacy and history of a genre that has given voice to countless generations. It showcases exhibits that transport visitors to the origins of the blues, illustrating its profound influence across the United States and beyond. That evening, The Groove Doctors performed, captivating the audience with their vibrant and alluring sounds.
After the party, we enjoyed a meal at a vibrant downtown establishment known as The Over/Under Bar & Grill. This bustling diner, situated on the first floor of the T-REX Building in the Loft District, was quite popular. The name of the restaurant alludes to a betting term related to the total points scored in a game. The menu featured a variety of delectable options, with the smash burger standing out as a highlight. It was the perfect way to cap off a day of exploring St. Louis.
The next day, I enjoyed lunch at Sugarfire, one of my favorite barbecue places in the city. Known for its unique take on St. Louis-style barbecue, Sugarfire offers an array of mouthwatering dishes, including baby back ribs, succulent pulled pork, and arguably the finest beef brisket available. In addition to traditional offerings, the menu includes creative items like andouille sausage, artichokes, cheese curds, and mushrooms. Chef Mike Johnson, who has trained with culinary legends such as Myron Mixon, Emeril Lagasse (a NOLA tie), and Charlie Trotter, has also played a pivotal role in establishing six other restaurants.
After lunch, I attended a series of informative sessions designed to enhance the skills and careers of hospitality professionals. The event featured an exhibit hall showcasing a variety of booths that highlighted everything from U.S. cities to innovative technologies in the events sector. I particularly enjoyed the interactive experiences, such as candle making and crafting personalized spice rub packets, along with the fun giveaways like piñatas.
Later that evening, I joined friends for drinks at the lobby bar of Live before heading to the opening reception at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Opened in 2006, the stadium boasts a capacity of 44,383 and provided us with exclusive access to areas typically off-limits, including the locker rooms, dugout, and field.
Although I am not a baseball enthusiast, I was struck by the stadium’s grandeur and the unique opportunity to explore its various spaces. The evening was further enhanced by delicious food and live music, with the highlight being a performance by Digital Underground, famous for their hit “The Humpty Dance” from 1990.
After the party, a group of us decided to continue the evening with cocktails and additional food at Katie’s Restaurant in Ballpark Village. The restaurant was bustling that night, offering delicious dishes and impressive craft cocktails. The story behind Katie Lee, the restaurateur and innovator, is truly inspiring. From her beginnings as a high school dropout and recovering addict, she founded Katie’s in 2008, sparking the artisan Italian pizza trend in the Midwest. What started as a single pizzeria has evolved into a renowned culinary establishment. As a fully woman-owned business, Katie’s has established itself as a cornerstone of the Midwest dining scene, consistently earning accolades. Katie has also been recognized as St. Louis Chef of the Year for six consecutive years. I can personally vouch for the exceptional quality of their pizzas.
The next day was once again packed with classes, culminating in a delightful BBQ lunch served in one of the main halls, adorned with distinctive décor and featuring traditional St. Louis cuisine. That evening, I attended an EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) Pride Event at the stunning venue, Willow, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant branch chandeliers, and two levels of seating. The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with numerous individuals from the LGBTQ+ community across the United States, complemented by delicious food and drinks. Several leaders from MPI addressed the audience, emphasizing their dedication to promoting diversity and equality within our industry.
Later that night, I participated in the Southeast Region Meetup at Tin Roof, a lively music club and restaurant in downtown St. Louis known for its tasty food and vibrant atmosphere. This reception proved to be an excellent platform for networking with fellow leaders from my region and exchanging ideas over cocktails.
A group from New Orleans dined at the remarkable restaurant Idol Wolf, which draws inspiration from Spain’s rich culinary heritage. This establishment offers a creative twist on tapas-style dining, merging local and seasonal ingredients with traditional Iberian flavors. The menu features both classic Spanish dishes and innovative drinks that reflect a Midwestern perspective. Situated within the stunning 21C Hotel, renowned for its contemporary art collection and charming penguin mascot, the ambiance is captivating. The art captivated my attention, and the dinner was nothing short of extraordinary. I highly recommend visiting this restaurant during your trip to St. Louis.
Our next destination was the Rendezvous Party held at the Pageant, a music venue located in the Lamar Loop neighborhood. The event was lively, featuring an abundance of food, an open bar, and a talented dance band that kept the energy high. We danced enthusiastically until midnight, when the party concluded. Following this, a few of us opted for Ubers to Just John, a well-known gay bar in the city. Having visited this vibrant spot before, I was aware of its popularity, and it did not disappoint on this occasion. The bar was bustling, with karaoke in one section and a fantastic DJ on the back patio. We danced until 3 a.m. to the beats of DJ JoJo, who ensured the dance floor remained full throughout the night. It was a delightful evening filled with encounters with attractive locals, and it had been quite some time since I had stayed out late enough to close a bar.
On the final day of the conference, I attended several morning sessions before heading to a luncheon hosted by the city of San Antonio, the location for next year’s event. The meal featured delicious cuisine infused with local flavors, complemented by a captivating presentation detailing the city’s upcoming developments slated for completion by June 2026. Guests were welcomed with margaritas, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The entertainment was provided by Britton Moore, a talented singer from San Antonio who gained recognition as a standout contestant on the 27th season of The Voice. His blind audition earned him a four-chair turn, ultimately leading him to choose Team Adam Levine, particularly noted for his emotional rendition of Coldplay’s “Yellow.” This engaging performance was a fitting conclusion to an excellent conference, and as I departed from the vibrant city of St. Louis, I eagerly anticipated my visit to San Antonio next year.
