People News - Summer Is Busy Time for New Hires in Trade Show Industry
July 30, 2012
Summer might be a slow time for actual trade shows being held, but it’s been a busy time for new hires, signaling a boost in business.
The Georgia World Congress Center recently announced the selection of Mark Adams as director of sales for the 3.9 million square foot facility.
"We are all looking forward to the addition of Mark Adams to our GWCC team,” said Mark Zimmerman, general manager of the convention center.
He added, “I am confident that with his experience he will make an immediate impact on our sales program.”
Adams joins the GWCC after working as the director of sales for the Athens (Ga.) Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he led the sales team in booking over 150 conventions, corporate meetings and sporting events each year.
He also previously was a general manager and operations manager for Global Experience Specialists.
Messe Frankfurt USA hired Kristy Meade to Group Show Director, Textile Events, responsible for managing the teams producing Texworld USA Winter/Summer, Apparel Sourcing, Home Textiles Sourcing Expo, Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas.
“We are pleased to add Kristy our team,” said John Gallagher, president of Messe Frankfurt USA.
He added, “Her professionalism, strong track record in managing successful events and expertise in the textile industry make her a valuable addition to our team.”
Meade has 13 years of experience in domestic and international events. Most recently, she was the Director of Events/Educational Development at Industrial Fabrics Association International at which she managed and developed various events with more than 8,000 attendees.
NexxtShow has brought Kevin Nalepka on the team as Vice President of Business Development.
Based out of Washington, D.C., Nalepka will be responsible for helping develop and execute NexxtShow's strategic business, sales and operating plans.
Nalepka comes to NexxtShow with more than 10 years of experience in the tradeshow industry. Beginning in 2000, he worked as Director of Corporate Sales at Freeman and then moved in 2007 as the Director of Sales to GES.
In these positions, he was responsible for a full range of business accountability, including business development, sales, marketing, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
"Kevin is a proven leader and it's exciting to have someone with his rich and deep experience join the NexxtShow team," said Matt Epstein, president of NexxtShow.
Meet Minneapolis, Convention & Visitors Association, welcomes Sue Stein as partnership marketing manager.
She will support Meet Minneapolis’ current partners and enhance the organization’s strategic development by actively recruiting new partners with an initial emphasis on the restaurant and retail categories.
With more than 20 years of experience in sales, business development, meeting management and event marketing, Stein has a wide range of knowledge in the industry that comes from owning her own meeting management and marketing services firm to working for NAPCP, Carlson Companies, Triad Conferences and BI Worldwide
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.
Add new comment