Rachel Wimberly
Rachel Wimberly is Executive Vice President of Business Development at Tarsus Group, US. Follow her on Twitter @TSNN_Rachel.
Why I Love the Trade Show Industry
December 11, 2012
I literally have been to five cities in the past seven weeks, including holding the TSNN Awards in Louisville, reporting on two energy-related trade shows in Houston and Pittsburgh and going to last week’s International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ Expo! Expo! in Orlando.
I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am an extremely fortunate person to work in the trade show industry and to wake up every day excited to do my job.
The No. 1 reason I love the trade show industry, by far, is the people.
This industry has such amazing people working in it, many of whom I am lucky enough to call good friends.
I saw a lot of those people in Orlando at Expo! Expo! – one of my favorite events of the year to catch up with everyone, as well as go to some great sessions and check out new products on the showfloor.
This year’s event grabbed me by the heart and had me in tears a few times.
The trade show industry recently lost a great lady – Joyce McKee – who I was happy to work with on several projects at TSNN right up until she passed away after suffering a stroke in November.
There was a memorial gathering at Expo! Expo! and a room full of people gathered and spoke about Joyce. She was well-loved and fondly remembered by so many people for her incredible passion for the industry and overall kindness as a person.
Before the memorial ended, Bob Dallmeyer asked everyone to give Joyce a standing ovation – it was beyond touching and she will be greatly missed.
In May, the industry also lost another incredibly charismatic and special person – Gary Sain – the former president and CEO of Visit Orlando.
I spoke to him a few days before he passed suddenly from a heart attack and he was so excited the city had just successfully hosted its first NPE – The International Plastics Showcase – that he fought tirelessly to bring to Orlando.
He also was thrilled IAEE and the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual meetings were coming to a city he loved so much.
Being in Orlando for the first time since I was 19, I really missed being able to see Gary there greeting all the people with enthusiasm that just exuded from every ounce of him. He would have loved to see all of those trade show industry professionals enjoying his city so much.
When Gary’s wife, Pam, stood on stage during the annual IAEE luncheon and spoke of her husband with such utter grace and dignity, I was humbled to be able to hear her words.
I hope I can embrace life with the same kind of passion as Gary always did.
Lastly, during Joyce’s memorial, someone spoke of living nearby her and they had been meaning to get together for lunch for a while, but life was busy and they kept putting it off.
That person reminded all of us in the room to remember what’s truly important in life and to always take time to connect with the people we care about.
Happy holidays everyone!
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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