ASAE, Reno-Tahoe USA Host NextGen Summit for Young Professionals
September 28, 2013
Young professionals are the future of the trade show industry and the American Society of Association Executives, along with its strategic partner Reno-Tahoe USA, recently hosted the NextGen Summit to touch on issues for this group.
The NextGen Summit, held Sept. 18-21 in Reno, Nev., included guests from the ASAE Board of Directors, California Society of Association Executives, The Association Forum of Chicago and the Texas Society of Association Executives.
Twenty-five individuals selected to participate were chosen from a national search process representing some of the brightest and most active association professionals under the age of 35.
Shelly Alcorn, CAE, of Alcorn Associates Management Consulting, led facilitated conversations around different topics including: professional development, opportunities for young professionals, issues they are facing, as well as ways associations can address these issues.
“As the baby boomer generation is set to retire, it’s important for the association community to engage professionals from all generations, so we can ensure we have a pipeline of future leaders,” said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE.
He added, “The conference provided insight on how young professionals wanted to be engaged in the community, to learn and to be heard.”
Here are some of the key findings from the group:
• The biggest opportunities for younger professionals are to establish relationships early in their career, to continue learning post-formal education, and the opportunity to be involved in advancing their industry.
• Young Professionals are tired of traditional conversations around social media, mentoring, and generational differences – they want to be heard, not just considered.
• The group encouraged associations to think toward the future, to be proactive in providing what their industry needs, to build collaborative relationships with other organizations, and to explore models that reach beyond the traditional confines of membership.
• Attendees were optimistic and had a positive outlook for the long term health and survival of associations.
“As a Strategic Partner of ASAE, Reno Tahoe USA is already a big supporter of education in the association management field,” said Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority President and CEO Christopher Baum.
He added, “With Gen X and Gen Y managers ascending to roles of greater responsibility, we saw this as the perfect time for a summit with ASAE to start the conversation as well as recognize and train tomorrow's industry leaders.”
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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