National Restaurant Show, NAB Show Announce Keynote Speakers

January 31, 2012

Two big shows just named power keynotes: President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation, will address attendees at the 2012 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, and the National Association of Broadcasters has chosen Marina Gorbis, executive director of the Institute for the Future, to address NAB Show attendees.

The NRA Show is on tap May 5-8 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, and NAB Show is scheduled April 14-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“President Clinton has a unique perspective on our nation and the world,” said Jack Crawford, convention chair for NRA Show 2012 and president and CEO of Ground Round Independent Owners Cooperative.

He added, "Clinton’s insights are sure to be both interesting and entertaining, making his keynote address one of the main attractions at NRA Show 2012.”

Clinton was the first Democratic president in six decades to be elected twice – first in 1992 and then in 1996.

After leaving the White House, Clinton established the William J. Clinton Foundation, with the mission to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence.

As part of its U.S. program, the foundation is working to combat the alarming rise in childhood obesity through the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, as well as helping individuals and families succeed and small businesses grow.

In a two-part general session, "Making Sense of the Great Content Shift," Gorbis will discuss the seismic shifts that are impacting the modern digital world as people demand content anytime, anywhere.

She will outline the top five trends that will shape the future of the broadcast and telecommunications industries on both an organizational and individual level.

Attendees will then be invited to engage with Gorbis directly in a Q & A session live via social media.

"NAB is pleased to have a renowned expert on the shifts in the modern digital landscape join us for a conversation at NAB Show," said Chris Brown, executive vice president of conventions and business operations.

He added, "Marina Gorbis offers a truly unique perspective on how digital media affects global interactions."

The Institute for the Future (IFTF) is an independent, nonprofit research company that examines topics such as work and daily life, technology and society, health and health care and global business trends.

As executive director, Gorbis has worked with hundreds of organizations in the business, education, government and philanthropy sectors on projects to improve innovation capacity, develop strategies, and design new products and services.

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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.