PCMA and Gevme Roll Out AI-Based Project Spark for the Events Industry
June 9, 2023
In an effort to uncover the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on the business events industry, the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA) are partnering with Gevme, a leading event technology provider, to launch Project Spark. Under this initiative, the AI model will be tested for various practical applications within the scope of business events to understand its impact on workforce productivity.
“AI in the business events industry is just beginning, but we cannot define its future without our global community,” said Sherrif Karamat, president and CEO of PCMA and CEMA. “We believe business events are about creating social and economic transformation.”
He continued, “Properly channeled, AI has the potential to empower each of us to accelerate innovation and progress for our audiences, our businesses, and our careers.”
In its first phase, Project Spark offers business event strategists access to a generative AI platform designed to increase efficiency in achieving event goals and is supported by educational content and engagement sessions to aid in the learning process. This is complemented by an online community to foster collaborative research evolution.
Those who wish to be part of the transformational initiative are invited to visit Project Spark to join the community waitlist.
Participants in the research phase will experience an early version of an AI platform under development. The platform aims to help business event professionals jump start routine event planning tasks. It is designed to complement their skills and expertise, not replace them.
“Project Spark is the starting point to explore, together, the challenge of adopting new AI technology and better understand how disruptive technology will enhance the power of the human connections our industry creates,” said Veemal Gungadin, CEO of Gevme. “AI isn’t out to take jobs from event professionals, but to boost their skills. It makes tough tasks simpler and turns ordinary work into something special.”
The progress of Project Spark will be shared on June 26 during PCMA’s Educon in Montreal, Canada.
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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