New Event Tech Companies: Entries Open for SISO Event Innovation Battlefield
April 27, 2014
The Society of Independent Show Organizers now is accepting entries for its acclaimed SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, in which the overall winner will be named at the association’s Executive Leadership Conference Aug. 13 at the Revel Hotel in Atlantic City.
At this year’s SISO Event Innovation Battlefield, companies will present their breakthrough event technologies or new business models before an audience of SISO attendees.
“The Event Innovation Battlefield is an important motivational hub for innovation, ideas, talent and products,” said Lew Shomer, executive director of SISO.
He added, “It gives our members the ability to see what’s on the drawing boards now that will drive our industry in the future. And, not only does it give SISO the chance to attract the right companies interested in investing in our industry, we can also help incubate, develop and assist in the delivery of products and services to the market. It’s a win-win-win which will advance the event industry.”
SISO is using the GUST Platform (https://gust.com/organizations/siso/apply) to collect ideas and presenters, as well as reaching out into their industry database to attract candidates to present at this unique program.
SISO attendees will be introduced to the new innovations during a session where four vetted presenters will unveil their concept, creativity and the benefits of their products.
After a brief critique by a panel of experts, the audience will cast their vote for the product and presentation they found most impactful. Winners will be announced immediately.
The 2013 winner was Picatic - a company that developed a program that helps existing events with more revenue generation by creating opportunities to spawn new 'tracks' or 'side' events off the original event.
The Event Innovation Battlefield now is a permanent feature of the Leadership Conference, which features presentations, hard-hitting discussions, voting and an awards ceremony.
Only companies that are NEW TO MARKET or in LAST STAGE DEVELOPMENT and have completed the application process and have been nominated to present will showcase their innovations.
The Battlefield is the brainchild of David Adler, SISO board member and CEO of BizBash, and Marco Giberti, past-president of Reed Latin America, and is designed to keep SISO members ahead of the curve when it comes to developing creative, business-enhancing ideas, according to SISO officials.
“This is a way we can get forward thinking ideas in front of the people who can make things happen in a very short period of time,” Adler said. “I feel this annual competition will add value to the Leadership Conference as well as widen the appeal of the entire qualified SISO membership.”
The company that claims the coveted Event Innovation Battlefield title will have the opportunity to be mentored by SISO leaders and gain access to some of the largest companies in the event industry.
Likewise, the winning presenters will enjoy a complete program of recognition through the SISO website and the event industry press.
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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