Newly Named Exhibit & Event Marketers Association Unveils Plans for Red Diamond Congress
June 18, 2012
The newly named Exhibit & Event Marketers Association (E2MA), formed by the combining of the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) and the Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association (EACA), has unveiled plans for the 3rd annual Red Diamond Congress.
The event will be held July 10-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
This year’s event will be focused on both advocacy and education issues, said Jim Wurm, executive director of E2MA.
“This will be the first meeting of these combined associations,” he added. “We will have general sessions each day asking for input and expertise.”
Wurm said the first day will focus on brainstorming, the second day would be identifying challenges and the third day would focus on initiatives that should be undertaken.
There are approximately 100 people signed up for the event, and a total of 150 are expected, he added.
The opening keynote will be given by Gary Slack, CEO of Slack and Company, on “Transforming the Organization”, a look inside the challenges he faced, and the opportunities created, as president of the Business Marketing Association.
Gary is two-time past president of the Business Marketing Association’s Chicago chapter, and he served as chairman of BMA National’s executive committee for the 2009-2010 program year.
Lara McCulloch-Carter, of Ready2Spark, will be the keynote speaker on the second day of the Red Diamond Congress and will present her “Cannonball Marketing Secrets”.
McCulloch-Carter’skeynote addresses the new age of marketing, and the increasing challenges created by the bombardment of messages (upwards of 5,000/day) thrown at target audiences that marketers must compete with.
The event also will feature the debut of The Expo Group’s Exhibit Manager of the Year Awards, as well as a gala during which several other honors, such as the Intrepid Award, will be given to an individual or organization that excelled in customer service.
Also part of the event will be Face-2-Face Connectionse in which top corporate xxhibit and event managers from across the U.S> are invited for an all expenses paid trip for face-to-face meetings with leading vendors and services providers in an accelerated buy-and-sell event.
A full schedule and registration information can be found HERE.
Wurm said one of the primary purposes of the Red Diamond Congress is to get all members involved in shaping the direction of the association so “they have a strong sense that the association is responsive to their needs and wants.”
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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