Vanessa,

I think you are on to something with your observations. Simply put, attendees are interested in content that directly affects them (travel arrangements, ed. sessions they like, etc) as you suggest.

The Big Deal, while it sounds fun is semi-traditional PUSH marketing that is promoting an MPI cause, not an attendee cause (or at least attendees don't appear to see it that way.) They do a decent job of answering the "why" an attendee should care in the attendees terms - fun, chance of winning, networking , free, etc

While you may be wondering about the reponse from your channels, the fact that the WSOP portion says "SOLD OUT" when you click on it suggest a good response from the community. Some may simply not read on after that. I see in another area that the event still appears to be open - This inaugural event is free and is limited to the first 1,000 WEC attendees. Must wear conference badge to enter. No exceptions.

We are also seeing the participation spike on the online event community with more people engaging by the minute as the event draws near.

So an interested person may be a bit confused by the offering. In any case, it looks to be a fun event and attendees should be encouraged to go and game if they wish.

I do know that David McKnight and Steve Manicor from Omnipress will be "all in!" at the Big Deal.

Paul -

Thanks for the feedback and thoughts.  I think MPI attendees and members should remember that this cause (the MPI Foundation) is a cause for the members - without the Foundation, there would be a severe lack in funds for scholarships and grants for MPI members and chapters.  Reflecting, I think the focus should have been more on the Foundation than the event itself. 

Either way, I look forward to meeting David and Steve at the Big Deal!