Louisville Scores Connect Marketplace’s 2,000 Meeting Planners in Summer 2019
September 22, 2017
Louisville’s nearly $1 billion in tourism infrastructure improvements, which includes expanding the Kentucky International Convention Center and opening the Omni Louisville Downtown, has attracted yet another big-name event – Connect Marketplace.
Connect Marketplace is a leading event in the meetings, events, travel and tourism industry and will be held in Louisville Summer 2019.
"We are more than excited to partner with our friends at Louisville CVB by bringing our largest Connect event of 2019 to its unique and inviting city," said Chris Collinson, president of Connect.
He added, "Connect Marketplace will give more than 2,000 planners a first-hand experience of the newly expanded Kentucky International Convention Center. What better way to showcase Louisville than to host the most active planners in the industry."
The announcement was made Sept. 21 at the Louisville Visitor Center during a press conference organized by the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Presented by Connect Meetings, Connect Marketplace will be held Aug. 22-27, 2019, at the Kentucky International Convention Center.
The event has an estimated economic impact of $6.68 million. The last time Louisville hosted Connect Marketplace was 2010.
“We are pleased that the team from Connect Meetings has selected Louisville for its 2019 Connect Marketplace,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.
He added, “This is a time of great transformation for our city, and we’re proud to host the meeting industry’s top event professionals and give these decision-makers a front-row seat to the nearly $1 billion in tourism-based infrastructure improvements underway here.”
Connect Marketplace will use hotel properties in the downtown area, including the newly opened Omni Louisville Downtown, Louisville Marriott Downtown, Galt House Hotel and Hyatt Regency Louisville.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to once again showcase the city of Louisville to such an important audience,” said Karen Williams, President and CEO of the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau.
She added, “Hosting Connect Marketplace 2019 will support our mission to continue attracting world class industry trade shows in Louisville. This will be the second time Connect Marketplace has been to Louisville, and we plan to take every opportunity to show off the best our city has to offer.”
The expansion of the Kentucky International Convention Center will include 200,000 square feet of exhibit space and a 40,000-square-foot ballroom. The project is estimated to increase national meetings and conventions opportunities for Louisville by 25 percent.
Connect Marketplace is just the latest in a series of events announcing they will be heading to Louisville, including the International Association of Exhibitions & Events Expo! Expo! (2020), TEAMS Conference & Expo (2018) and TSNN’s very own TSNN Awards (2018).
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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