AMT Plans Smartforce Student Summit During IMTS 2014

December 30, 2013

The Association For Manufacturing Technology is making plans for the Smartforce Student Summit during the week of the International Manufacturing Technology Show 2014, which will be held in September at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The Smartforce Student Summit will be a place where educators, administrators, students, and parents can experience an in-depth introduction to manufacturing.

The summit will feature interactive displays from leading national education organizations, manufacturing technology providers, career and technical schools, community colleges, and engineering schools.

Summit attendees also will have an opportunity to visit IMTS, North America’s largest industrial trade show, which features the world’s most innovative manufacturing technology, attracting more than 100,000 visitors to exhibition space totaling more than 1 million square feet.

“The importance of STEM education has been a hot topic because of the value it delivers for careers and for the overall economy. With manufacturing experiencing a massive shortage of skilled workers, we really want students to see first-hand the fantastic career opportunities available within the industry,” said Greg Jones, AMT Vice President, Smartforce Development. 

He added, “We’ve seen an increase in STEM programs and STEM academies around the country, and the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS provides an ideal venue for students and educators to experience real-world examples that connect STEM education to rewarding career choices.”

Students have long been a part of IMTS, with school groups, scouting troops and others touring the showfloor to gain an understanding of the technologies utilized within manufacturing.

The Smartforce Student Summit will have a valuable student experience at IMTS by offering speakers, hands-on displays and a chance for students to interact one-on-one with young manufacturing professionals.

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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.