HSMAI Extends Its MEET Format to All 2012 Events
February 27, 2012
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International has decided to extend its MEET brand to all of its 2012 events and will kick the series off with HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America April 3-4 at Navy Pier in Chicago.
The keynote speaker for the event also was announced - body language expert Janine Driver.
HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America brings a new name and offerings to attendees:
HSMAI’s TEEM UP: HSMAI's reverse trade show buyer appointment expo, which adds to the opportunities to learn about new meeting facilities and suppliers during the traditional HSMAI's MEET expo
HSMAI’s MEET On: Year-long access to a virtual extension of the two-day conference with networking and regularly updated educational content
HSMAI’s MEET Concierge: The opportunity to maximize time through HSMAI's MEET Concierge, who will preschedule one-to-one appointments for planning professionals with supplier partners during the traditional trade show hours
HSMAI’s MEET University: Educational experiences through HSMAI’s MEET University, an updated, interactive educational program led by industry experts with sessions.
Driver’s keynote will focus on gaining an edge with body language. New York Times bestselling author and CEO of the Body Language Institute, Driver is an expert at helping people better understand themselves, the impact of their non-verbal communication and how to read others’ body language in order to build impactful relationships.
“I’m thrilled to be able to speak to and engage with some of the brightest minds in the meetings industry at each of HSMAI’s MEET shows this year,” Driver said.
She added, “I believe my sessions will help equip attendees with the edge they need to be more successful in their businesses and their daily lives.”
HSMAI's MEET Mid-America provides benefits for meeting and event planners, including garnering more than eight hours of acclaimed continuing education on topics they are facing, connecting with and learning from peers and partners alikeand the ability to preschedule face-to-face meetings with exhibitors.
For exhibitors, HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America offers the opportunity to connect with experienced planners from the corporate, association, government, and independent sectors and learn about the issues they are facing.
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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