IAEE Raises More Than $1 million to Support PR Campaign
December 13, 2011
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is off to a positive start, raising $1 million for its public relations campaign to increase awareness about the long-term benefits of face-to-face exhibitions and events.
The goal of the PR campaign is to tell the industry’s story, as well as give support to continue to bolster the trade show industry’s reputation as the No. 1 place to bring buyers and sellers together to conduct business.
“I am thrilled by the support from hundreds of our colleagues and their organizations,” said Vinnie Polito, IAEE chairman.
He added, “Never before, in IAEE's 83-year history, has there been such a collaborative effort to achieve one goal. As a result, we are now well-positioned to launch and support a vital campaign that will benefit our own industry and the customers we serve.”
Early supporters who not only supported the campaign financially, but who also submitted compelling stories of their exhibitors' successes include the Consumer Electronics Association, SEMA, INFOCOMM, Monster Cable, the National Association of Broadcasters and the National Restaurant Association, to name a few.
The three-year-long campaign will focus on communicating the strengths and relevance of face-to-face opportunities, increasing the favorable impression of events, compiling real stories about the power and uniqueness of trade shows, differentiating trade shows from other forms of engagement and leveraging new media and digital opportunities to expand reach and build an online presence.
"I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Public Relations Task Force led by Kimberly Hardcastle, Paige Cardwell and Nina Carrara, as well as my fellow directors on the board who were led by Visit Orlando's President and CEO Gary Sain,” Polito said.
He added, “The generous contributions pledged as a result of these efforts will be invested carefully to meet IAEE members' expectations."
Industry associations also have given a strong show of support, including Destination Marketing Association International, Exhibition Services & Contractors Association, Major American Trade Show Organizers and the Society of Independent Show Organizers.
In order to spread the word and gather stories from those associated with the trade show industry about the value of face-to-face, please visit the IAEE Web site and tell your story; http://www.iaee.com/resources/pr_campaign.
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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