Gen Con to Remain in Indianapolis Through 2021
December 9, 2016
Gen Con, North America’s largest and longest-running consumer hobby, fantasy, science fiction and adventure gaming convention, has announced it will continue to call Indianapolis home through 2021.
The one-year extension agreement also allows the show to renew its contract on an annual basis, according to city officials.
“Indianapolis has warmly welcomed Gen Con with its Hoosier hospitality for more than a decade, and we appreciate the city’s commitment to making all of our guests feel at home,” said Adrian Swartout, Gen Con CEO and owner of the show. “With Gen Con approaching its 50th convention in 2017, we look forward to celebrating many more historic years in Indy, as well as serving as a hub for a thriving community of Hoosier gamers.”
Since moving to Indy in 2003, Gen Con’s attendance has more than doubled, from 23,000 to 61,000 unique attendees across North America and 64 countries.
“The City of Indianapolis is proud to be the home of Gen Con, and we are appreciative of their continued commitment to our great city,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “This iconic event draws gamers from around the globe, and we look forward to welcoming them year after year with the Hoosier hospitality that we are so well known for.”
Held over four days Aug 4-7, Gen Con 2016 boasted a record 201,852 turnstile attendees, a 2.5 percent year-over-year increase compared to 2015. Owing to its recent expansion into the Lucas Oil Stadium, the event also increased its exhibitor presence by 26 percent, with 525 exhibitors spanning 44,000 square feet of exhibit space.
“Gen Con generates an estimated $72 million in economic impact for our region annually, while transforming downtown Indianapolis into the global epicenter of hobby gaming for nearly a full week each year,” said Leonard Hoops, Visit Indy president and CEO.
He added, “Visit Indy, the staffs of the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, our hotel partners, and so many others in Central Indiana’s hospitality community are delighted to have played a role in Gen Con’s growth and success over the past 13 years and we look forward to continuing our mutually beneficial partnership through 2021 and beyond.”
Gen Con will celebrate its 50th convention Aug. 17-20, 2017.
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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