Las Vegas Leaders Gather for Inaugural 2016 Global Meetings Industry Day
April 15, 2016
Las Vegas top meetings and convention experts came together April 14 to celebrate the first Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) at the newly opened T-Mobile Arena.
The event marked the expansion of North American Meetings Industry Day, held earlier this year and was spearheaded by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and Convention Industry Council.
It had special significance to Las Vegas, where meetings, conventions and tradeshows bring over $9.3 billion in economic impact and support more than 66,000 jobs. It’s also home to the largest 54 tradeshows in North America, as ranked by the 2015 TSNN Top 250 trade show list.
The meeting kicked off with a keynote address by Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, who praised the city for its continued success as a meetings destination and for its leaders’ commitment to promoting the value of face-to-face.
The panel discussion that followed was led by Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the LVCVA and featured Chuck Bowling, president and COO of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino; Chandra Allison, vice president of Sales, The Venetian and The Palazzo; Chris Flatt, executive vice president of Hotel Sales and Marketing, Wynn Resorts; and Michael Massari, senior vice president for National Meetings and Events, Caesars Entertainment.
Allison noted that Las Vegas has overcome the pushback as a business destination. She said, “Choosing Las Vegas is no longer an issue. It’s a serious place to come and do business. The statics shows that attendance (for meetings) is higher here.”
Bowling added that the demand is back to pre-recession days. “We’re redefined the peak season,” he said. “It used to be a January through May conversation and a couple of months in the fall. Now, it’s a year-round business for us. Some of our busiest meetings are in the summer.”
Bowling also commented that the fears of technology taking over in-person meetings proved unfounded. “Some of the biggest meetings we’re doing today are tech meetings,” he said. “Technology is the fastest growing market in America today. People have to get together and talk about the new products.”
When asked about the new metrics for tradeshows, Allison said that her customers are measuring ROI in learning and engagement. “How that trend is changing meeting design is fascinating,” she added. “We used to be about a general session. It’s about events where people can collaborate, engage and learn amongst themselves.”
Allison also noted the trends for customized food events and interactive experiences. “It’s customized events within an event,” she said.
Safety and security continues to remain top of mind for executives and planners and all participants expressed their commitment to ensuring that every aspect is covered. “All of us have to continuously reevaluate (security programs) to make sure we’re one of the safest places on Earth,” Flatt said.
HERE is a roundup of events that occurrred worldwide #GMID16.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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