Applications Open for ibtm World Technology and Innovation Watch 2015 Award
June 21, 2015
ibtm world, previously EIBTM, an event for the meeting and events industry, has announced that applications are now open for the Technology and Innovation Watch 2015 Award (previously known as the Technology Watch award).
Graeme Barnett, senior exhibition director, ibtm world, who announced the opening of the Technology and Innovation Watch 2015 at the Event Tech Lab, which took place as part of London Tech Week, said, “This new all-encompassing name for this award illustrates its evolution, recognising the importance of both innovation and technology within the industry.”
The process of allocating the Technology and Innovation Watch Award also will change, as the judging panel will shortlist 10 submissions to be recognized as the 'Top 10 Innovations to drive the industry forward’.
These 10 innovations will be offered the opportunity to feature in the dedicated Innovation Zone at the show in Barcelona, on tap Nov. 17-19.
The panel also will vote for one of these top 10 to become the Technology and Innovation Watch winner, who will benefit from a global promotional campaign (supported by ibtm world), a presence in the Innovation Zone and the opportunity to present their winning solution during the show.
"The Innovation Zone is a popular feature for our attendees, who we know also have a growing interest in how technology impacts and can enhance their events,” Barnett said.
He added, “It makes perfect sense to therefore provide a dedicated area within ibtm world for our exhibitors to showcase their latest skills and innovations for the benefit of all involved in the meetings and events industry.”
Peter Komornik, CEO of sli.do and one of the top 10 innovations showcased in 2014, said, “Initiated by the meetings at the show, we’ve cultivated relationships and established a number of new partnerships with people we met in the Innovation Zone. Moreover, direct feedback received in the Innovation Zone was very useful in developing new features for our customers.”
Comprising of industry experts from across the world, and chaired by meetings technology expert Corbin Ball, the ibtm world Technology and Innovation Watch judging panel 2015, will consist of Stefania Conti-Vecchi, founder and CEO of EVENTagist, Michelle Bruno, technology journalist - Bruno Group Signature Events, Christine Fuchs, founder of The Social Fox, Paul Hussey, director of The Conference Doctor, Ruud Janssen, founder of TNOC.org and Co-Founder of EMG and Padraic Gilligan, managing partner of SoolNua.
In addition, one new industry judge will join the panel this year: James Morgan, co-founder of Event Tech Lab and a senior lecturer in Tourism and Events at the University of Westminster.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the judges and ibtm world on this long-standing competition that facilitates greater integration of technology into events of all kinds,” Morgan said.
He added, “The speed of technological innovation means that busy events professionals are always playing catch-up. The Innovation Zone provides a great educational platform for event professionals to explore a plethora of technologies that benefit their events and attendees.”
Free to enter, the application process for submissions is now open at www.ibtmworld.com/techwatch.
Entry for the ibtm world 2015 Technology and Innovation Watch Award will close Sept. 4.
For further information about the Innovation Zone, please visit www.ibtmworld.com/innovation.
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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