Nearly 3,000 Attend ASAE’s Springtime Expo in D.C.
April 22, 2015
Nearly 3,000 meeting and industry professionals recently gathered to attend two American Society of Association Executives events: Springtime Expo, April 8-9 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., and ASAE Foundation’s Annual Springtime DC Golf & Tennis Invitational April 10 at Lansdowne Resort.
The Springtime Expo’s total number of participants included 1,500 attendees and 1,370 exhibiting personnel with 348 companies occupying 468 booths on the showfloor. The Buyer/Seller ratio was 52 percent buyers to 48 percent sellers.
A highlight of this year’s event was the use of beacon technology. Attendees who downloaded the ASAE Events app and opted-in were able to download a personalized report showing which education sessions they attended, education credits earned and booths visited. Exhibitors received a complimentary report with real-time booth analytics.
New this year, ASAE held a one-day pre-conference program called “Building a High Performance Team and Winning Culture,” led by John Spence.
The session focused on how to create and sustain a high performance team within an organization. Attendees took a customized Team Effectiveness Audit and analyzed the gap between the “current” and “desired” state of a high performance team.
Attendees also participated in Learning Labs that provided an opportunity for meeting professionals and exhibitors to share challenges, ideas and successes around a variety of topics including: meeting redesign, integrated marketing campaigns, technology and proving ROI for your meeting.
During the general session, Spence provided attendees with advice on what’s required to be a highly effective leader. He focused on skills, characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors that are key success factor, and why these traits attract willing followers.
“The education sessions this year provided attendees with insight on new ideas and strategies they can execute into their organization,” said ASAE President & CEO John H. Graham, IV, FASAE, CAE.
He added, “The Expo floor was packed with engaging conversations, and the exhibitors benefited from meeting with all the buyers.”
The ASAE Foundation hosted its 33nd Annual Springtime DC Golf & Tennis Invitational, a green event for Corporate Social Responsibility, at Lansdowne Resort.
ASAE Foundation had nearly 300 participants who took part in golfing, wine tours, spa, and golf clinic events.
Next year’s date for ASAE’s Springtime Expo is April 28, and the Annual Springtime DC Invitational Golf and Tennis Tournament is April 29.
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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