Texas Restaurant Association - TRA Marketplace (formerly, Southwest Foodservice Expo)

Event Dates
2015-06-28 - 2015-06-29
Exhibitors
500
Attendees
10000
Event contact title
Vice President Exposition & Events
Event contact first name
Mel
Event contact last name
Forehand
Email
mforehand@tramail.org
Event contact telephone number
512-457-4190
Description

For 77 years, the Texas Restaurant Association has produced a trade show and convention that brings together the diverse industry for networking, education and a chance to see the latest products and services available on the market. They have been known by many names, but its core mission has always been the same: To produce an event that highlights the best that Texas has to offer professionals in our industry. The Texas Restaurant Association Marketplace features cutting edge technology, innovations to help  manage your business, ways to leverage the latest trends to grow customers, great deals on products and services and more!

Attendee information
Who should attend the show? Professionals in the foodservice and hospitality industry including single and multi-unit independent operators, franchisees, franchisors, corporate executives, chefs, unit managers, institutional foodservice providers, hotels, caterers, etc.
Exhibitor information

Partial list of products and services displayed at Expo - Accounting, Banking and Financial Services, Bakery Products and Supplies, Banquet Service Equipment, Bar Equipment and Supplies, Beverage Dispensing and Storage Equipment, Beverages, Soft Drinks, Alcoholic, Catering and Food Delivery Equipment and Supplies, Cleaning and Sanitation Equipment, Coffees, Teas and Specialty Drinks, Computer systems and Services, Dairy Products, Dishwashing and Handling Equipment, Food Preparation and Cooking Equipment, Food Serving and Handling Equipment, Furniture and Interior Decor.

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.