HD Expo Scores Record Attendance, Exhibitors in Las Vegas
June 11, 2015
Hospitality design is booming, with the Emerald Expositions’ HD Expo, held May 13-15 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, drawing a record crowd and exhibitors.
There were 10,260 registered attendees at the show, which is produced by Hospitality Design magazine, marking a 10-percent increase from last year. The showfloor had 255,200 square feet of booth space, which was also an increase from 2014.
“HD Expo continues to be at the forefront of the industry as we uniquely provide the ultimate platform to bring together and provide access to the world’s leading hospitality design professionals and thought leaders under one roof,” said Liz Sommerville, show director, Hospitality Design Group.
She added, “We take great pride in our established brand and are thrilled to receive such an overwhelmingly positive response from show exhibitors, attendees and conference speakers.”
Exhibitors were pleased with the quality and quantity of attendees. . “Being our third year exhibiting at HD Expo, we found that the overall experience was an improvement from last year as we were able to secure more quality and larger contracts,” said Michele Crociani, business development manager, indel B.
He added, “We also learned from the previous years of how to better present our products and to showcase our unique products for the industry.”
This year’s Keynote Address at HD Expo was a presentation of a storied career led by Clodagh, founder of Clodagh Design.
HDExpo also hosted interactive sessions such as the Owner’s Roundtable, where attendees and exhibitors had a unique opportunity to speak one-on-one with notable designers, owners, developers and investors in the industry.
At the HD Expo Social Hub, designed by Hilton Worldwide and inspired by the new Canopy brand, attendees and exhibitors gathered for HD Conversations, 30-minute intimate discussions with industry heavyweights, and NEWH Green Voice Conversations, featuring notable experts that spoke through a series of interactive sessions covering sustainable themes such as biophilic design, futuristic materials, smaller footprint trends, and detoxifying hotel interiors.
HD Expo is in association with American Society of Interior Designers (ASID); International Interior Design Association (IIDA); International Society of Hospitality Purchasers (ISHP), National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ); and NEWH, Inc.—The Hospitality Industry Network.
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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