ASM Global and Marketplace Events Team Up to Create World’s Largest Consumer Show Network
October 28, 2021
ASM Global, the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences, venue management, event strategy and management, and Marketplace Events, the largest producer of B2C shows in the U.S. and Canada, have forged a multi-year content and programming alliance that builds the world’s largest and most diverse network of consumer shows at the more than 200 ASM Global venues across North America.
As the leading content provider for venues worldwide, ASM’s roster of programming partners already includes some of the largest global event promoters, including Live Nation, AEG Presents, Feld Entertainment, Cirque du Soleil and Mecum Auctions.
The formation of this strategic partnership closely follows the expansion of ASM’s development and live event programming division, including the recent appointment of industry veteran John Boyle as its global chief content officer.
“This past year in only our second year of existence, we have doubled down on our commitment to strengthening and expanding our position as the global leader in content and programming,” explained Ron Bension, president of ASM Global. “Our new partnership with Marketplace Events…further reflects this commitment and is a tremendous win not just for ASM venues, but also for millions of additional show attendees and exhibitors who can now enjoy our amazing live experiences.”
The new partnership will leverage ASM’s internationally experienced team to simplify and streamline the event planning process and extensions into new markets, while Marketplace Events will also receive access to the live event industry’s top expertise and ASM’s extensive marketing resources to drive increased exposure, maximize revenue opportunities and enhance attendee experiences.
“In partnership with ASM’s diverse portfolio, depth of resources, unparalleled track record and event programming knowledge, we will now have the opportunity to produce more consumer shows with more total square footage in North America than any company ever,” said Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events.
As a company that produces an industry-leading consumer show every five days on average annually in North America, including the home, garden, wedding and holiday categories, Marketplace Events executes more than 70 shows in 34 markets that attract 22,000 exhibitors and nearly 2 million attendees annually, according to Marketplace officials. Its shows are some of the most successful and longest-running consumer events in North America, including market-leading shows in Minneapolis, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal, some of which have thrived in their markets for more than 75 years.
In March, ASM Global and Marketplace Events announced the launch of new annual home shows that will take place at Houston’s NRG Park in February and October, beginning in spring 2022. The partners also announced a third annual home show to be held in the Jacksonville market, set to launch in May 2022.
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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.
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