IAEE’s Expo! Expo! Sessions Touch on Data-driven Engagement, Financial Investments and More
December 8, 2015
Data-driven engagement was a hot topic at last week’s International Association of Exhibitions’ Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2015 in Baltimore.
The 2,500-plus attendees knew to be at this year’s show to learn the latest on this topic, as well as many others. With record-breaking numbers, on both the attendee and exhibitor fronts, the right note was hit for this conference.
Exhibitor Michael Younder from Panvista was happy to see data tied into the keynote. “Clearly, good use of data, as well as engagement that is unobtrusive but relevant, are on the minds of many attendees.”
He added, “We believe in good data, and even better analytics, and many of the conversations at the show are reflecting that focus.”
Ryan Brown of National Trade Productions Show and Brian Casey of Center for Exhibition Industry Research co-presented on data best practices to a packed room.
And surprisingly, many of the lecture attendees admitted to having limited understanding of their data.
In another session, speaker and financial advisor Manisha Thakor provided a two-part session on our concept of wealth, financial health and investing, particularly geared towards women.
One startling fact: women face a mathematical headwind, with earning 78 cents to the dollar, on average, compared to men, and being out of the workforce for 11 years, on average, during their career lifetime for family obligations (not to mention the fact that women also tend to live longer, so need more money for retirement).
The record-breaking numbers at the three-day event were not only with attendance, but also on the showfloor.
First-time attendee Cendy Chou from Conference Managers was able to attend since the conference was in her backyard.
“I was very excited to be able to drive in for the day to attend,” she said. “There is a good mix of people at the show, in terms of demographics, industries and job title, which has allowed for some great networking.”
Exhibitor James Mitchell from Summit Videos said he was pleasantly surprised with both the attendance numbers and quality of leads.
“We have seen steady traffic of those attendees wanting to learn more about our product. We have also provided education around the concept of developing video footage for exhibitors, right in their booth,” he said. “Attendees are asking great questions and are looking for new ways to use technology to get their message out.”
Expo! Expo! 2016 will take place Dec. 6-8 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
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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