Christina Hernandez
Christina Hernandez is new media coordinator at GES, where she manages GES’ corporate blog and their social media community.
IMEX America: Two Unique Social Media Strategies
November 10, 2012
Event organizers are never satisfied with the status quo, but always looking for new ways to brand and market shows, and return value for exhibitors and attendees.
We still believe that face-to-face conversation trumps all other communication, but social media is proving to be a valuable complement.
I must admit, I’m a social media junkie. I find myself reading more articles today on industry trends than the gossip blogs I read (more than I want to admit) in college.
IMEX America 2012 was truly an inspiration to me. It showed me new ways to use social media to engage with exhibitors and attendees.
A team member of mine recently wrote about how IMEX America 2012’s trade show model is completely different and it worked.
What did I take away from IMEX’s social media strategy? It was out of the ordinary and a great example for other shows.
Here are my two reasons why:
1. Shared Their Exhibitors’ Stories: IMEX guarantees exhibitors of genuine global buying power on the trade show floor the moment doors open (they’re the largest show in the U.S. that does this). This translated to selling their target exactly what they were looking for. They didn’t have to guess what they think they wanted. IMEX created blog posts about exhibitors and events, tweeted and posted photos of each exhibitor, posted statuses inviting attendees to certain experiences, etc. There wasn’t a guessing game. IMEX told their attendees about exhibitors versus selling exhibitors and attendees their show.
2. Helped Exhibitors Reach Attendees: Yes, IMEX could have simply created a #hashtag for attendees and exhibitors to interact on or shared specific sessions’ information, but instead, they took a drastically different approach. They didn’t bring attention to their own content. Their social media team was on the showfloor sharing exhibitors’ and attendees’ experiences. IMEX shook things up and attracted more organic interactions. The content they pushed helped their exhibitors better reach attendees.
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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