CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE Make Giving Back Part of Their Culture
March 16, 2017
The trade show industry is no stranger to teaming up with charities and demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility, and one recent Las Vegas-based trade show went out of its way to exemplify that dedication to helping those in need.
As the world’s largest trade show and conference for the construction industry, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE showed its solidarity with U.S. military veterans by hosting several fundraising events during its most recent event, held March 7-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Hosted charity events included a benefit concert, as well as a live and an online auction dedicated to helping The Call of Duty Endowment, a non-profit organization that helps veterans secure high-quality jobs after their service.
With many veterans working in the construction and manufacturing industries, joining forces with the Endowment not only made sense for the show but also enabled its audience to help combat the high unemployment rate among post-9/11 veterans, reported to be 2.6 times greater than the national average.
“While our industry has given to numerous worthwhile causes over the years, in 2015 we collaborated with The Call of Duty Endowment for the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition Benefit Auction, raising more than $29,000 to help connect military veterans with quality jobs,” explained Sara Truesdale Mooney, CONEXPO show director and vice president of exhibitions and business development for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, which owns and operates the show.
She continued, “Because many veterans work in the construction and manufacturing industries and the skill set they bring is a great fit for the many opportunities in our industry, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE teamed up again with the Endowment as the official charitable partner for the 2017 event.”
About 2,000 show participants harnessed their spending power for good by flocking to see legendary rock band Foreigner perform at the Brooklyn Bowl on the Las Vegas Strip, while many also participated in the live and silent auctions, helping to collectively raised more than $100,000 for the Endowment.
“These new benefit events offered the opportunity for CONEXPO-CON/AGG participants to not only network and have fun but also rally together as a construction industry community to raise funds to support military veterans,” Mooney said.
Many attendees expressed their enthusiasm for supporting a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of people who have sacrificed so much for their country, according to AEM officials.
The association already is considering another partnership with the Endowment, this time at the upcoming ICUEE Demo Expo, set for Oct 3-5 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
“We’re so grateful for CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE’s remarkable support of our veterans,” said Dan Goldenberg, executive director of The Call of Duty Endowment
He added, “Every dollar received by the Endowment will go directly towards the most effective and efficient veteran job counseling services in America. These will be dollars well-spent.”
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.
Add new comment