2012 World Dairy Expo Draws Bigger Crowd to More Exhibits
October 21, 2012
Nearly 72,000 attendees checked out not only more exhibits, but also a bigger showfloor at the recent World Dairy Expo at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis.
The number of attendees saw an uptick of 5.6 percent, compared with last year’s show.
In addition, there was a 6.5-percent increase of exhibitors to 863 and a showfloor that grew 8.8 percent to 560,600 net square feet, compared with 2011, according to John Rozum, sales manager for World Dairy Expo.
He added the primary reason for the growth at this year’s event was the addition of more available space.
“The biggest change for us was the addition of a 26,000 square foot temporary exhibit structure that allowed us to expand by 130 new booths,” Rozum said.
He added, “We’ve been pushing maximum capacity for many years with a substantial wait list, and adding this new space gave us our first big expansion in many years.”
Last year’s show ranked No. 35 on the 2011 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list with a showfloor that spanned more than 515,000 net sq. ft.
“That extra space was primary the factor in the increase in NSF and exhibitor numbers, which in turn really gave attendees a solid new reason to make the trip to Madison in 2012,” Rozum said.
WDE Management owns the show that ran Oct. 2-6 and is nearing its 50th anniversary in 2016.
The show featured special guests, including USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Ben Brancel and Dane County Executive Joe Parisi.
One of the highlights of the show is the naming of the Supreme Champion.
This year’s main winner was RF Goldwyn Hailey, owned by Gen-Com Holstein Ltd. of Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Conseil, Quebec, that captured the Supreme Champion title of the 2012 World Dairy Expo.
Hailey also was named the winning Six-Year-Old & Older Cow and Senior Champion of the 2012 International Holstein Open Show, adding on to her title of Grand Champion.
Next year’s show will be held Oct. 1-5 at the Alliant Energy Center.
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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