Cleveland Med Mart Names Craig Thompson Head of Convention Sales
January 23, 2012
Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.'s Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center has named Craig Thompson convention sales director for the venue that is on track to open in fall 2013.
Thompson has more than 15 years of local and regional tradeshow industry experience and will be responsible for recruiting nonmedical trade shows and conventions to Cleveland MMCC, including initiating, developing and maintaining relationships with industry tenants, prospects and associations.
Thompson will work closely with Anthony Prusak, Cleveland MMCC director of convention sales, who will continue to coordinate recruitment of healthcare industry trade shows and conventions, and under the direction of Brian Casey, vice president and general manager.
"Craig Thompson brings more than 15 years of convention center and trade show industry sales and special events experience," Casey said.
He added, "During his successful tenure at the I-X Center, Craig has also proven to be successful in selling Cleveland as a tradeshow and convention destination. His sales experience, coupled with his enthusiasm for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, will be valuable assets for our team as we continue to expand our sales efforts nearing the fall 2013 opening date."
Thompson joined the Cleveland Med Mart after he previously worked as national sales manager at the International Exposition (I-X) Center in Cleveland for the past eight years.
At the I-X Center, Thompson was a member of multiple show production teams and focused his sales efforts on trade shows and corporate events, including recruiting trade shows, negotiating contracts, generating proposals and working closely with the Cleveland Airport Hotel Group.
Prior to joining the I-X Center, Thompson served as associate director of special events at the Cleveland Museum of Art and director of events at SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo.
"Within the trades how and convention industry, Cleveland MMCC is already on the radar as a future destination location, and I am delighted to join the team and expand our sales opportunities as we gear up for the opening of the facility," Thompson said.
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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