International CES Launches Several Sustainable Programs
January 2, 2012
Trade shows aren’t the greenest of environments in the world, but the Consumer Electronic Association’s International CES, Jan. 10-13 at several venues around Las Vegas, is making an effort to be as sustainable as possible.
“Our green and recycling efforts at the 2012 International CES are unprecedented for the largest annual event in the western hemisphere, covering more than 1.8 million square feet and welcoming more than 140,000 attendees,” said Gary Shapiro, CEA’s president and CEO.
He added, “We’ve worked hard to ensure that we are using the latest and greatest sustainability practices in producing CES.”
For the first time this year, attendee badge holders are made from repurposed vinyl show banners from last year’s show, and CEA will collect those badge holders at the end of the 2012 CES to recycle them again.
In addition, Global Experience Specialists, the show’s general service contractor, will produce signs using a reusable, recyclable kraft paper honeycomb material.
Through a partnership with Repurpose America, a local nonprofit focusing on tradeshow recycling, CEA also has set a goal to collect even more magnetic, vinyl and cardboard show signs for repurposing.
For the 2011 show, Repurpose America collected roughly 18,000 pounds of magnetic signs from, nearly 15,000 square feet of vinyl banners and more than 150 foam boards.
In addition, CEA worked with contractors to recycle 289.6 tons of the solid waste generated at CES and increased the event’s recycle rate from 68 percent to 77 percent, several points higher than the average recycle rate of trade shows held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Besides sustainable efforts on the show, CEA also supports greening efforts in the Las Vegas community.
In 2011, CEA gave $75,000 to Green Chips, a local charity supporting solar power installations.
The money was used to install solar panels at a Las Vegas nonprofit facility, resulting in substantial savings that allowed the organization to devote more money to serve those in need, according to CEA officials.
Just the mere fact that business travelers who choose to come to CES typically report to going to at least 12 business meetings at the event, show participants collectively avoid more than 960 million miles in business trips that they otherwise would have had to take.
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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