Campaign Underway to Expand Melbourne Venue
May 21, 2012
The Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) will seek additional funding from the State Government of Victoria for the expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The EEAA has been critical of the state’s latest budget plan, which overlooked funding for the exhibition industry.
Industry players hoped the US$1 billion redevelopment of Darling Harbour in Sydney, which includes 40,000 sq. m. of exhibition space, would spur further expansion activities. According to the EEAA, expanding the MCEC will increase business tourism spend by an additional US$151 million. EEAA reports that a total of 11,000 exhibitors participated in 361 exhibitions held across Australia in the second half of 2011, of which 17 percent took place in Victoria and 36 percent in New South Wales.
Joyce DiMascio, general manager of EEAA, said “The industry has been advocating support for this vital piece of infrastructure but the tight budget has favoured other urban and regional initiatives. We understand that the Government does support the expansion of exhibition facilities but due to pressure to fund other programs, it would appear we must still continue to build the case for investing in this crucial piece of events infrastructure.”
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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