RVIA Scraps 55-year-old National RV Show
January 17, 2018
The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association decided to scrap its 55-year old massive National RV Show, which it has held every November at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky.
Instead, association officials said they wanted to reinvent the annual event away from being a traditional trade show.
“We must act now to provide our vibrant and innovative industry a platform to promote its successes and celebrate its wins,” RVIA officials said.
They added, “The opportunity exists to deliver an all-industry event featuring expanded innovation and market development, unparalleled education and training, and enhanced focus on improving customer service. Our $50 billion industry deserves an event that celebrates industry achievement across all segments, and recognizes those companies and leaders who are innovating and moving the industry forward.”
The decision was unveiled at the 2018 RV Leadership Conference, where the RVIA Board of Directors unanimously determined that a completely new approach was needed for the industry’s national event.
“Over the past decade, the Open House has firmly established itself as the premier buying event, while at the same time the National RV Trade Show has not successfully redefined its purpose,” RVIA officials said.
They added, “It is clear the industry no longer needs multiple buying-focused shows, and the time to redefine RVIA’s event has come.”
The new event will be in early 2019 and also will have a change of venue.
Besides scrapping the trade show in 2018, RVIA also will no longer hold the RV Leadership Conference in 2019 as well.
“The RV Industry Association is excited about launching this new event, and we will work closely with our board, members, dealers and industry partners, to ensure we maximize value for the entire RV industry,” RVIA officials 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.
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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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