Independent Show Organizers Join Forces with New Agreement
May 17, 2017
The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and The Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) have entered into a reciprocity agreement following a meeting among several of their independent trade and consumer organiser members in Miami last month.
The agreement sees both organisations supporting each other with information exchange, research insight and mutual discounts for members to attend each associations’ events.
In addition, it sees the formation of a new special interest group the ‘Independent Organiser Network’ (ION).
The ION is a group formed of AEO and SISO commercial event organiser members who operate on a global basis. It will see the pure play ‘for profit’ organisations coming together to share experiences, opportunities and challenges for the benefit of all parties and the industry at large.
“SISO is a much respected organisation with similar objectives to AEO, and we share many members who have common interests and challenges,” said Chris Skeith, CEO of AEO.
He added, “The partnership with SISO will see us further extend collaborations with other associations throughout the world to help us deliver more value to our members.”
David Audrain, executive director of SISO, adds: “A third of SISO members operate outside the US on a global scale alongside half of the AEO’s membership that organise events outside of the UK. This partnership will see the very best organisers in the world sharing experiences to help shape best practice and improve exhibitor experiences which will help grow the industry overall.”
Audrain said the ION will formally meet twice a year with the first meeting taking place at SISO’s CEO Summit, which several of the members already attend.
He added that he second meeting will be standalone during the second half of the year although there will be continued virtual support provided by both SISO and AEO to enable ION members to communicate throughout the year.
“Associations can support commercial, for profit, organisers through representation by providing a common voice to benefit from international opportunities and overcome challenges. In addition, working as one should provide confidence and is particularly significant in the current climate of political and economic uncertainty, the mantra of ‘together we are stronger’ has never been more important,” Skeith said.
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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