Global Exhibitions Day Is Almost Here: Are You Ready?

June 7, 2016

Jason Popp

Jason Popp- Jason Popp is Executive Vice President, International at GES. With more than 20 years of global business experience and 10 years with GES, he leads businesses outside of North America.

The first-ever Global Exhibitions Day is right around the corner.

This new event was inspired by Exhibitions Day, now in its third year, in which industry members meet with legislators in Washington, D.C., to advocate for events and exhibitions industry. The idea was so powerful that organizations representing the international trade show and exhibitions industry came together to take things a step further with a Global Exhibitions Day, slated for June 8.

On that day, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry will host an international meeting of the minds where achievements will be shared, new developments in the field will be revealed, and conversations surrounding the industry’s future will be had.

At GES, we are excited to be involved! We’ll have four sales leaders in Washington to meet with U.S. representatives to create the right awareness among lawmakers of how our industry positively affects their constituents’ local economies.

GED16 is a community of events that come in all shapes and sizes, rather than one big blowout show in a centralized venue. After all, upward of 700,000 people directly work in the exhibitions industry — so it makes perfect sense to have the event be as accessible as possible to professionals across the globe. With so many unique opinions, innovations, and perspectives being shared, the event is bound to spark countless new ideas that will fuel the industry’s future.

How can you get involved?

Social media and online communities are the primary drivers of Global Exhibitions Day. Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are already abuzz with discussions, photos, live videos, and more. It’s easy to get involved — just search the #GED16 and #ExhibitionsDay hashtags, and add your thoughts to ongoing discussions. Or, you could even plan your own event to stream in real time to the rest of the GED16 community. Also, consider spreading the word by retweeting and sharing our social media posts on the big day.

GED16 is a truly massive international occasion. From France to Mexico to India to Russia, the exhibitions industry is represented in all its glorious diversity. In Hong Kong, for example, a conference and gala dinner will be hosted by the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association. And in Germany, the UFI International Summer University is holding a three-day learning event that will bring top executives and young minds together.

GED16 is set to be an inspirational day for all members of the exhibitions industry, and it is likely to be the first of many of its kind. The event’s organizers are alert to how this year’s happenings are received, and they are ready to build upon those experiences for years to come.

Get ready to celebrate what is poised to be the biggest day of the year for the exhibitions industry — and don’t forget to get involved! #GED16 and #ExhibitionsDay.

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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.