Indianapolis Sees Surge of Live Events in July and August
August 31, 2020
Following the implementation of a “back on track” reopening program that included new health and safety measures directed by a local task force, Indianapolis has seen a surge in meetings activity. In the four-week period following the July 7 reopening of Indiana Convention Center (ICC) — which recently spent $7 million on health and safety improvements — the city successfully hosted 18 meetings and events with a total of more than 40,000 attendees.
“With more than 50 percent of the nation’s population within a day’s drive of Indy, coupled with the health upgrades to our center, we’ve seen a surge in meetings,” said Chris Gahl, senior vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Indy.
Of the 18 meetings and events, 11 were held in the convention center. Seven others were self contained in downtown hotel properties.
“With hospital-grade air filters circulating outside air 24 hours a day and Clorox machines deep cleaning the [convention center] building throughout the day, we have been able to keep visitors safe and healthy while convening in Indy,” said Gahl.
The groups recently meeting in Indianapolis came from a variety of market segments: corporate, association, religious and sports. The organizations — including Access Intelligence, Indiana Pawnbrokers Association, Paul Waldrep Ministries and Blue Star Basketball — worked with Visit Indy, ICC, their host hotels and Marion County Health Department to have their health and safety plans approved.
One of those organizations, Beck’s Hybrids, a family-owned seed company based in Atlanta, Ind., held its annual Summer Camp event for more than 600 attendees at the JW Marriott Indianapolis in July. “With the ever-changing procedures and mandates, and with the help of the knowledgeable staff at the JW, we were able to create a successful event for our attendees,” says Brittany Street, travel and events lead for Beck’s Hybrids.
In addition to cleaning protocols, Visit Indy’s back-on-track reopening program includes training for hospitality employees, a promise that they will be wearing masks at all times during meetings and events, and zero attrition for groups that contract and meet in 2020.
Find more details on how Indianapolis is reopening to meetings and events here.
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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