Association for Women in Events Officially Opens Doors to New Members
January 19, 2016
The Association for Women in Events (AWE), launched last March, is officially opening its doors and accepting applications for membership starting Jan. 20.
AWE’s mission is clear: to be an inclusive community dedicated to the professional advancement of women in all facets of the events industry.
“When presented with the AWE mission statement, I knew right away that I wanted to become a Charter Member of the Leadership Society,” said Stephen Peeler, vice president, Development of ASAE Foundation.
He added, “I encourage my friends, peers, former coworkers, fellow association members from organizations including ASAE, AMPs, DMAI, HSMAI, MPI, NCBMP, PCMA and all event professionals to join me in supporting this valuable cause.”
Peeler, along with Brad Weaber, who is the chief innovation officer with Connections Housing, are the first two founding supporters of AWE.
AWE welcomes both men and women to join the movement.
Membership benefits includes the following:
● Access to the immediate coaching program through the AWE website
● Membership directory
● Events Calendar (access to AWE events and other related industry events)
● Discounted partnership rates from our sponsors for AWE members
● Recipient of e-newsletter
● Access to apply for Sponsorship Circle
The membership rates of $195/year are offered at a special introductory rate of $175/year through March 31.
Inaugural members will receive special recognition as a thank you from AWE Founders. As believers of sponsorship and mentorship, AWE also will offer a $40/year student rate.
AWE membership will be open to both men and women in the events, meetings, hospitality and travel industries. “We couldn't be more thrilled to truly embrace our mission and open membership to the industry,” said Carrie Abernathy, CMP, CEM, CSEP, AWE co- founder and president.
She added, “2016 will be the catalyst for the movement."
Membership will be available at www.womeninevents.org beginning January 20, which coincides with a special launch event being held the same day in Washington, D.C.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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