Events Industry Entities Take a Stand Against Russia for Invasion of Ukraine
March 2, 2022
A growing number of events industry organizations are condemning the acts of aggression on Ukraine, with some suspending business activities with Russia.
IMEX Group, Messe Frankfurt, Messe Düsseldorf, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and Events Industry Council (EIC) are among the entities that have issued statements on the conflict showing support for the people of Ukraine and denouncing the Russian invasion.
IMEX Group
IMEX Group suspended Russian businesses from attending its IMEX Frankfurt show, which is scheduled for May 31-June 2.
“Sadly, we have taken the decision to suspend Russian state enterprises from participating at IMEX Frankfurt 2022 as a direct result of the current political situation,” said IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer and Chairman Ray Bloom in a statement. “We do this with a heavy heart, understanding that the world is in an unprecedented situation. Our hearts go out to everyone who is affected and especially the people of Ukraine. All of us wish for a speedy and peaceful resolution to this conflict.”
IMEX Frankfurt is one of the world’s largest trade shows for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions industry. More than 5,100 hosted buyers attend the show to meet more than 3,000 exhibitors from 170 countries.
Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt, host venue of the IMEX show, also released a statement, which called for peace and included its decision to suspend events of its subsidiary Messe Frankfurt RUS until further notice.
“Messe Frankfurt is looking with great concern at the tragic developments in Ukraine these days,” the statement said. “Our company creates internationally neutral communications and trade platforms where people of all nations come together. Our corporate principles stand for peaceful coexistence and trade relations of the same kind—because this is a prerequisite for a functioning international economy and for a functioning international coexistence as a whole.”
Messe Düsseldorf
Meanwhile, the Supervisory Board of Messe Düsseldorf suspended the group's business activities in Russia until further notice as a consequence of what it referred to as “the disturbing events in Ukraine” in a statement. This also includes the activities of the subsidiary Messe Düsseldorf Moscow.
“The entire city of Düsseldorf is thinking of the people in Ukraine,” said Dr. Stephan Keller, mayor of Düsseldorf and chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe Düsseldorf in the statement. “After we have already put the city partnership between Moscow and Düsseldorf on ice, it is only logical that Messe Düsseldorf, as a subsidiary of the city, also suspends its activities in Russia for the time being.”
Wolfram N. Diener, CEO and president of Messe Düsseldorf, added, “The current events contradict the mission and values of our company, which is to create international marketplaces for free, cross-border intercultural and economic exchange.”
PCMA
PCMA condemned the unprovoked and unjustified attacks on the people of Ukraine and called for the world to come together, stand united against war and acts of evil against innocent civilians and be resolute in driving economic good to solve complex issues.
“Social injustice—war—has no place, anywhere,” the statement said. “We support UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ position in his call to end this senseless war. “I must say, President Putin: In the name of humanity bring your troops back to Russia. In the name of humanity, do not allow to start in Europe what could be the worst war since the beginning of the century, with consequences not only devastating for Ukraine, not only tragic for the Russian Federation, [but for the entire world].”
PCMA said it is committed to contributing to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund to support the urgent need for food, water and shelter.
EIC
EIC strongly denounced the war in Ukraine and condemned the clear violation of international law.
“We are deeply disturbed by the humanitarian crisis unfolding, which will ultimately impact other countries and regions across Europe and are concerned for the safety and well-being of the people of Ukraine,” the statement said. “The military invasion of Ukraine is in direct conflict with the values that all of us who serve the Events Industry Council and our global community passionately believe in, and we strongly oppose any form of violence and oppression that negatively impacts the safety and security of those that work in the events industry across Ukraine, their families, colleagues and indeed all Ukrainians.”
EIC further emphasized its firm stance with Ukraine and urged all parties to work toward a peaceful resolution.
“All of us at the Events Industry Council and our global EIC family have been deeply moved by the bravery, courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people and the incredible show of support from our own community and across the world,” the statement said.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn!
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