Atlanta Shoe Market Thinks on Its Feet During Weather Challenges
February 19, 2014
Ice storms, clogged highways, a closed airport and all around chaotic weather last week in Atlanta didn’t stop people from making their way to the biannual Atlanta Shoe Market, held Feb. 13-15 event at the Cobb Galleria.
In order to accommodate the approaching weather situation and getting buyers on the floor despite it all, the Cobb Galleria and Southeastern Shoe Travelers Association, who have co-hosted the event for 19 years, opened the doors three days prior to the show opening to accommodate early arrivals, including buyers from Belk, Tops and many others.
Exhibitors reported spending as much as five days fending off cancellations and hopping flights to get to Atlanta from as far away as California, according to event organizers.
“Others braved the hazardous road conditions, including people from states like Kentucky where drives were two days directly into and through the path of the storm,” they added.
At Cobb Galleria, some employees were unable to make it into work, so others stepped, including management, to pick up the slack.
The center also stayed open day and night to accommodate the needs of the show. In addition, show management was onsite around the clock to respond to attendee and exhibitor calls and e-mails and provide updates twice daily to all pre-registered attendees and exhibitors on everything from weather conditions to transportation issues to rescheduled show events.
“Exhibitors and retailers alike did whatever it took to get here, because it was important to them and the businesses they represent,” said Laura Conwell-O’Brien, SEST executive director.
She added, “I never cease to be amazed by the people in this industry. This wasn’t the way we expected to mark our 70th anniversary, but perhaps it was testimony to why the show has been around all these years.”
By the close of the show, only a handful of vendors were unable to make it, mostly from other hard-hit areas like the Northeast, where flight cancellations kept people grounded.
Even with the challenges, the latest industry survey of trade show attendees ranks The Atlanta Shoe Market among the top three fashion shows worldwide, according to SEST management.
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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