Meetings + Conventions Calgary Offers New Digital Experience Institute Digital Event Strategist Scholarship Opportunities
August 18, 2017
Scholarship applications now are being accepted for the Digital Event Strategist (DES) course and certification exam.
Sponsored by Meetings + Conventions Calgary and supported by the PCMA Education Foundation’s Digital Experience Institute (DEI), the scholarships support meeting professionals seeking to further their digital and hybrid event education.
As the exclusive sponsor of these scholarships, Meetings + Conventions Calgary supports the application, online course and exam fees, a more than $1,000 USD value.
“It’s been exciting to see the digital event space evolve into a strategic tool to help organizations amplify their reach and drive results as demonstrated in The DEI Power of Digital White Paper” said Jennifer Kingen Kush, executive director of DEI, a global organization dedicated to advancing engagement around events, meetings, learning and marketing programs through technology.
She continued, “Meetings + Conventions Calgary has been a true visionary, helping to empower organizations and the entire industry with their support of scholarships and the ongoing advancement of digital event education.”
Designed to help individuals and organizations develop a means to effectively plan, produce and measure the results of their digital engagement practices, the DES certification program is recognized throughout the globe and boasts graduates from more than 15 countries, including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Switzerland, Spain, Germany, South Africa, Israel and Singapore.
“Meetings and Conventions Calgary is committed to supporting education in our industry and it is very gratifying to tangibly make the statement that we have sponsored over 100 individual meeting planners to achieve their DES Certification,” said Dave Sclanders, executive director of Meetings + Conventions Calgary.
He continued, “As in anything new, three years ago when Calgary first aligned with DES there was some unknown. Today, however, there can be no longer any doubt the contribution online events are making to our industry. The bottom line is Meetings + Conventions Calgary is proud to be there to support any way today’s meeting professional can better navigate our rapidly changing industry more effectively and more efficiently, thereby planning more successful events and booking more Calgary events.”
The upcoming scholarship application deadline is Aug. 24, with recipients to be notified by Sept. 1. Those awarded with scholarships will be eligible to participate in the DES LIVE online 7-week course that starts Sept. 20 and takes place online Wednesdays and Fridays at noon ET.
To learn more about the DES certification program and scholarship application go here.
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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