Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Shepard Exposition Services Both Score Show Contracts

July 8, 2012

Two suppliers – the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Shepard Exposition Services – both scored lucrative events contracts.

Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2012 will take place July 8-12 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

An estimated 15,000 attendees representing technology companies in 156 countries will take part in the event, according to show organizers.

WPC 2012 is set to be three times bigger than the last time the event was in Toronto in 2004.

"Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference is one of the world's most prestigious and advanced conferences; being selected as a venue is a testament to our ability to host major events," said Barry Smith, president and CEO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  

He added, "We welcome the boost to our local economy - an estimated $39 million in visitor spending - and the incredible opportunity to showcase our city and vibrant information technology sector."

Because of the size and sophistication of WPC, participating venues are coordinating efforts to create Toronto's largest ever 'Campus Network'.

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Air Canada Centre, Intercontinental Hotel, and the Sheraton Centre Hotel will be coordinating to run on the same computer network, providing participants with access to shared files, data, and information.

"Partners play a significant role in the Microsoft ecosystem and WPC is our chance to thank them and celebrate our mutual achievements," said Kati Quigley, senior director of Worldwide Partner Community Events for Microsoft.

She added, "With Toronto serving as our setting for this year's WPC, we will enable partners to collaborate with each other, while simultaneously showcasing our vision and strategies that can help them ultimately drive revenue in the coming year."

Shepardalso recently reached an agreement with Exponation to produce Digital Signage Expo and LightShow/West, along with their new event, LightShow/East.

Digital Signage Expo is the world’s largest international trade show dedicated to digital signage, interactive technology and out-of-home networks.

Digital Signage takes place annually in the spring at the Las Vegas Convention Center.   LightShow/West is a biennial event that is held in October at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

“We are excited about the opportunity to produce these three major events,” said Kevin Bird, Shepard’s director of sales and marketing.

He added, “We look forward to what we think will be a long-standing partnership.

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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.