$5,000 Student Scholarship Sponsored by Reno-Sparks CVA to be Presented at TSNN Awards
June 13, 2013
When the TSNN Awards kicks off Nov. 1-3 in Reno, Nev., 50 show organizers who will be feted for their fastest-growing shows won’t be the only ones celebrating that weekend.
A student looking to start a career in the trade show industry also will receive the inaugural TSNN Awards Student Scholarship for $5,000 sponsored by the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority.
The RSCVA (Reno Tahoe USA) will back the award for the next three years, according to John Leinen, the bureau’s vice president convention and tourism sales, who added, “When presented with the opportunity to bid on the TSNN Awards, Reno Tahoe USA was not only interested in realizing the benefits associated with hosting this esteemed event, but we also had a desire to help support the overall development of the tradeshow industry.”
Leinen said, “The scholarship is designed to assist the tradeshow industry’s future leaders, and we believe it aligns well with Reno Tahoe’s exuberant spirit and vast array of inspiring, outdoor activities and experiences.”
The student, who will be fully hosted, will receive the scholarship onstage at the 4th Annual TSNN Awards (www.T-awards.com) during the Saturday Gala.
“We were absolutely thrilled when Reno Tahoe USA stepped up and suggested offering this very generous scholarship to a deserving student at the TSNN Awards,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly.
Students who are studying for a future career in the trade show industry will be considered eligible for the scholarship.
TSNN reached out to several programs, including the University of Nevada Las Vegas - William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, Richland College, DePaul School of Hospitality Leadership and the University of Central Florida, to name a few.
Curtis Love, Ph.D., CHE, executive director of Graduate Studies, UNLV, said, “With the ever increasing cost of college, scholarships such at the TSNN can make a tremendous difference in the lives of students studying in the meetings and events industry. Without your generous support, many students would be unable to afford the cost of a university education. The partnership between industry and higher education will definitely impact the future of both institutions.”
M.T. Hickman, CMP, CTA program coordinator, Travel, Exposition & Meeting Management
Richland College, added she thought it was important for students to take classes, as well as network.
“So many of our students want to do this, but due to the cost of classes and the need to support themselves and sometimes families they miss many opportunities,” she said.
Hickman added, “This scholarship would be like winning the lottery. The experience of going to a conference without having to worry about expenses would allow the student to take full advantage of the experience and build networks that would help them start their careers in the industry.”
For more information on the $5,000 TSNN Awards Student Scholarship please contact TSNN President Rachel Wimberly, rwimberly@tsnn.com.
For info on the TSNN Awards, please visit www.T-awards.com.
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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