New Peer-to-Peer Roundtable Series Aims to Help Executives Lead Through Disruption

August 5, 2020

A new weekly peer-to-peer roundtable series for event professionals launches this week. Hosted by mdg, a Freeman Company, the “Leading Through Disruption” program focuses on helping event professionals manage change and gain the insights and connections needed to navigate the pandemic. 

Each hour-long session, scheduled to run for six weeks starting Aug. 5, will have a theme introduced by thought leaders who then facilitate the discussion.

“We have leaders in strategy, design and data/research from Freeman and mdg who will be challenging participants to seize the opportunities associated with the changing nature of the events business,” said Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes, chief marketing strategist at mdg. “This initiative gives senior executives a forum to have in-depth conversations with their industry peers — to share advice, to ask questions, and to find out what’s working in other organizations.”  

The sessions will take place each Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. EDT from Aug. 5 through Sept. 9. Full session details are below: 

Aug. 5

“The Future of Live Event Design”

Facilitator: Mo Husseini, senior vice president of design, Freeman

Aug. 12

“Safety Dance: Considerations for the Return to Physical”

Facilitator: Dan Steiner, MBA, CPA, ARM, vice president of enterprise risk management, Freeman 

Aug. 19

“Translating Audience Research into Actionable Insights” 

Facilitators: Ken Hosinger, senior vice president of strategy and digital and data solutions, Freeman; and Kimberly Hardcastle, chief marketing strategist, mdg    

Aug. 26

“An Executive-Level Briefing on the Future of Digital Marketing” 

Facilitator: Marc Blumer, customer journey architect, mdg  

Sept. 2

“What’s Actually Working (and Not) with Online Events”  

Facilitators: Mark Fein, senior vice president of strategy, Freeman; and Jacquelyn Wells, vice president and marketing strategist, mdg

Sept. 9

“Okay, So Now What? An Exercise in Strategic Prioritization” 

Facilitators: Sara Baliti, senior account director, mdg; and David Saef, executive vice president of strategy, Freeman

To maintain a format conducive to networking, attendance at the roundtables will be limited. Qualified participants (executive-level event organizers) interested in attending should email Kate Calderazzo at kcalderazzo@mdg.agency to request an invitation to participate.

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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.