Apr 29, 2013
The American Society of Association Executives recently introduced the first Diversity + Inclusion (D+I) tool for associations called the Association Inclusion Index.
It is an online, diagnostic tool that evaluates D+I policies, philosophies and practices against community standards.
The tool offers strategies and solutions for expanding an organization’s reach, relevance and reputation through practicing inclusive excellence.
“It’s critical for organizations to understand how diversity and inclusion plays a practical role in staffing, recruiting, retaining, and engaging… more
Apr 29, 2013
Cleveland-based I-X Center’s decision to buy the Cleveland AUTO-RAMA show and combine it with its existing I-X Piston Power Show for the first time this year paid off, with 35,000 attendees getting the opportunity to check out more than 1,000 piston-powered vehicles during the three-day event.
The newly named show - Summit Racing Equipment I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama – was held March 15-17 and covered 1 million square feet at the I-X Center.
“Tens of thousands of enthusiasts came to the show, including many fathers and sons, mothers and daughters and grandchildren,… more
Apr 29, 2013
PMMI, the owner and producer of the PACK EXPO trade shows, will launch a new event, PACK EXPO East, which will be held Feb. 2-4, 2015, in Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Convention Center.
“There’s a real need in the market for first-class events that are a bit closer to home,” says Rick Fox Jr., president, Fox IV Technologies, who chairs PMMI’s Board of Directors.
He added, “About 18 months ago, PMMI commissioned Westat, a leading research firm, to reach out to customers about the need for a regional event, and if they would support one. The results were… more
Apr 28, 2013
a2z's Quarterly Tradeshow Industry Index report, which analyzes data through the first three months of the calendar year 2013 (Q1 of CY 2013) has just been released for Q1.
The Index reflects a stronger-than-expected 3.1 percent quarter-over-quarter growth in net square footage in Q1 of CY 2013. This is a stronger gain than was predicted at the end Q4 of 2012.
The Index also forecasts NSF growth to come in at a significantly higher rate of 5.9 percent for Q2 of FY 2013. This is good news for the tradeshow industry, given the fact that the U.S. economy is projected to grow at a more… more
Apr 27, 2013
The first quarter of 2013 started out on a positive note for Global Experience Specialist’s parent company Viad, with revenues seeing an increase from $268.8 million in the first quarter of 2012 to $285.2 million this year.
The Marketing & Events Group, of which GES is a part of, also saw revenue increases in the first quarter this year, with $276.8 million, compared with $262 million in the same quarter last year.
Steve Moster, GES’ president, said the uptick came from not only positive show rotation, but also higher than forecasted same-show growth and cost-cutting… more
Apr 24, 2013
One of the many highlights planned for the 4th Annual TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence, on tap Nov. 1-3 in Reno, Nevada, includes the only time this year both the chairs of the Society of Independent Show Organizers and International Association of Exhibitions and Events will be on the same stage at the same time speaking on a “State of the Industry” panel during the event’s Saturday Executive Conference.
"The industry is growing again and there are a lot of opportunities for positive changes in the way we develop and grow our shows, so I am excited to be speaking at the… more
Apr 23, 2013
ASD Las Vegas is about to get a little bit bigger, with the debut of a new event – SourceDirect – Aug. 4-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.
SourceDirect will be geared toward Importers, Distributors, Wholesalers, Designers, and Production Professionals, who will be able to meet face-to-face with contract manufacturers and factories from around the world.
“By aligning supply chain leaders in front of the key decision makers to [ASD] a show they already attend, business opportunities are made that weren’t possible before now,” said Chris McCabe,… more
Apr 22, 2013
The Professional Convention Management Association will launch its inaugural PCMA Global Medical Meetings Summit July 17-20 at ExCeL London convention center.
The summit is an invitation-only event for senior medical meeting professionals and medical association CEOs.
“PCMA was founded as a medical meetings organization,” said Deborah Sexton, president and CEO, PCMA.
She added, “While our membership has greatly diversified since our first annual meeting in 1956, we have continued throughout the years to provide robust education and resources to the medical meetings sub-… more
Apr 22, 2013
For the very first time, the Human Genome Meeting will be held at a U.S. Destination – Houston – in 2016 through joint efforts by the Texas Medical Center and Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau worked hand-in-hand with Texas Medical Center to secure this high profile medical conference,” said GHCVB President and CEO Greg Ortale.
He added, “The Texas Medical Center is certainly unique with its concentration of medical, research, and educational institutions. Houston is the obvious location for… more
Apr 21, 2013
Two medical meetings - one of which was about to start moving in last week just a few blocks from the twin bombings that occurred during the marathon in Boston - went on as scheduled, despite the week-long search for the suspects that eventually ended April 19.
Another event that was meant to begin April 20-21, Boston Comic Con, was postponed at the John B. Hynes Convention Center.
James Rooney, executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, sent regular updates to the trade show industry keeping them apprised of the fluid situation that included a “shelter in… more
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.