Christina Hernandez
Christina Hernandez is new media coordinator at GES, where she manages GES’ corporate blog and their social media community.
World Cup 2014: Global Reach Matters
June 13, 2014
2010 was one of the best years of my life. Why? I graduated from college and was selected to work at one of the world’s largest sporting events, the FIFA World Cup. Many Americans don’t understand the magnitude of this event and quite frankly, I don’t blame them. The NBA,NFL, MLB and NHL are powerhouses. We look forward to the Super Bowl, the Finals, the World Series and the Stanley Cup (amongst others, I know, but these are the most talked about, in my opinion).
Americans tend to forget the global reach of soccer. The rules are pretty simple, it easily translates to different cultures and it doesn’t alienate people based on socioeconomic backgrounds. One of the most powerful experiences I had while living in Cape Town, South Africa during the 2010 World Cup was the pickup games we had with the homeless youth that lived down the street. We didn’t speak the same language and lived extremely different lives, but we were able to bond and have a blast together.
Soccer doesn’t require any equipment and you don’t even need a special type of ball to play. While there, I saw people of all ages, ethnicities and genders kicking around practically anything! The moment you’re able to bond with someone who is completely different than you over a sport you’re both completely in love with, is a moment of engagement you’ll never forget.
That’s what the World Cup has that most large sporting events don’t… Their fan base. It transcends who has access to high-priced premium box seats, a certain television network or even a television. It’s a lifestyle and passion for individuals all over the world. This means going to the World Cup is more than just a pay check or winning a match, it’s a uniting of their country’s people to support the athletes who represent them so proudly.
Not only does this global mindset affect how much fun everyone has at the Cup, but it also affects the marketing surrounding it. I really enjoy analyzing how brands approach the event from a global perspective and the creativity that transpires from targeting their audience this way. One of the most heartwarming ads, which I enjoyed, dancing and singing along to in 2010, was from Coca Cola.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M3Q54rPjQw
Not only can everyone relate to the amazing feeling you have after achieving or scoring a goal, but who doesn’t LOVE to dance?! Brilliant right? And don’t worry; they’re doing it again this year… But they’re crowd sourcing content aka photographs, another globally unified way to capture memories!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBekdnkwlAQ
Our industry must keep our global hat on when bringing events to life. Why? That’s what our attendees deserve. From Iceland to Las Vegas, attendees come from all around the world to have the experience of a lifetime at the events we partner with our clients to create…. Let’s strive to make sure everyone feels a part of the bigger picture. So… Ke Nako Brazil, it’s time for you to show the world just what you’re made of!
P.S. Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole … USA, USA! Go boys! I hope you bring home the Cup… Although Group G does look killer, I have faith that you can take down Germany, Ghana and Portugal.
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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