Blizzard Impacts Some Shows: New York Toy Fair Opens on Time
February 7, 2013
Even though there is two feet of snow forecasted to hit the Northeast beginning Feb. 8 and thousands of flights already have been canceled, the Toy Industry Association is going full steam ahead, planning to not only hold pre-show events for the American International Toy Fair, but also open the show’s doors as scheduled Feb. 10-13 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.
Show organizers assured all attendees that “the show will go on,” despite unfavorable weather predictions for the New York City area, with a message on their Web site saying, “There’s No Business Like Snow Business.”
The show is expected to attract more than 30,000 attendees and 1,000-plus exhibitors and is expected to generate 17,000 hotel room nights and $29.2 million in economic impact for the city, according to NYC & Company officials.
The 13th annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards will kick off Toy Fair week Feb. 9, and the show will open as scheduled Feb. 10 at the Javits.
“Toy Fair has opened its doors on time every year for 110 years … a little snow won’t stop us now,” said show organizers.
The Boston area also is predicted to take the brunt of the snowstorm.
New England Grows, which was scheduled to run Feb. 6-8 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, was impacted by the incoming storm before the first flakes even fell.
A message on the show’s Web site stated: “Due to the blizzard warning issued by the National Weather Service, and a directive from the Massachusetts Convention Center Authorities' Pubic Safety Department, all New England Grows activities have been cancelled for Friday, February 8, 2013.”
The next event scheduled at the BCEC is the Progressive New England Boat Show, Feb. 16-24, and at Boston’s John B. Hynes Convention Center, the American Association for the Advancement of Science 2013 Annual Meeting is on tap Feb. 14-18.
The Spirit Fest Cheer & Dance National Championships, which were scheduled Feb. 9-10 at the Connecticut Convention Center, were cancelled altogether.
Event organizers said, “After much consideration and for the safety of you, your athletes and their families we have decided to reschedule Spirit Festival Nationals for Mid-March.”
In Philadelphia, the Tattoo Arts Convention, which opens Feb. 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, had a message emblazoned on the show’s Web site page in bright red letters that says – “The Show Will Not Be Cancelled Due To Snow”.
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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