Feb 23, 2016
The past month has marked a busy time, with several companies not only bringing on new employees, but also naming people into top positions.
SnowSports Industries America, the snow sports industry’s member-owned trade association, has named Nick Sargent as SIA president.
Sargent, who joined the organization in August 2015 as SIA’s incoming president, has spent the last five months working alongside exiting President David Ingemie.
“Nick holds a background in all aspects of the snow sports industry, which has proved to be extraordinarily beneficial in helping to strategize future growth,” said… more
Jan 21, 2016
The New Year signaled an even bigger uptick of hiring in January not only in companies based here in the U.S., but also some well-known ones overseas.
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s (MCCA) newly minted Executive Director David Gibbons made two key senior executive decisions by naming Fred Peterson as the new deputy director and Dennis Callahan as the general counsel for the organization.
Peterson served as the interim executive director from July 1, 2015, until Dec. 31, 2015, while also fulfilling the duties of director of facilities operations.
Callahan, similarly,… more
Jan 07, 2016
Julie Coker Graham officially stepped into her new role Jan. 1 as the president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB).
She assumed the role following the retirement Dec. 31 of former President and CEO Jack Ferguson.
In June 2014, Coker Graham was promoted to executive vice president of the PHLCVB as part of a strategic succession plan that allowed her to continue leading the organization’s convention sales efforts, while expanding her responsibilities to include overseeing all of the PHLCVB’s departments and operational duties.
A 21-year Hyatt Hotel Corporation… more
Dec 09, 2015
Whoever said December was a slow month, might have been wrong when it comes to end of this year’s new hires and promotions, with several companies bringing people on before kicking off a fresh start in 2016.
Global Experience Specialists recently named Wendy Gibson as executive vice president of global marketing.
Gibson is an accomplished B-to-B marketing leader with a high-tech background and brings 25 years of managing all aspects of marketing, including branding, lead generation, product marketing, corporate marketing, digital, social and business development.
As executive vice president… more
Oct 24, 2015
William T. Glasgow Sr., a 65-year veteran of the trade show industry, passed away peacefully in his home Oct. 23.
“BG”, as he was known, started his career in the industry at Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago, while attending Loyola University.
In 1967, he became director of sales for Hilton Catering at McCormick Place, and later returned to McCormick Place as director of sales and marketing for Greyhound Food Management.
In 1975, he was hired as show manager by the Electronic Industries Association to manage its winter and summer Consumer Electronics Shows (held in Chicago and Las Vegas). He… more
Oct 16, 2015
The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards winners for 2015 emerged from a field of hard-working nominees committed to their craft.
Created in 2000, the “SMOTY” Awards recognize show organizers who are creating amazing experiences with their exhibition and in their marketplace community.
"The dedication, innovation and downright determination of the people in this business continually impresses me and the judging panel, as well," said Ray Pekowski, president and CEO of The Expo Group.
He added, "We began this program to give back to the community by honoring unsung heroes, and I am… more
Oct 13, 2015
The International Association of Conference Centres has elected Alex Cabañas as global president, effective immediately.
Alex Cabañas, CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, will serve a two-year term as head of the association, which has over 350 conference and meeting venue members in 22 countries worldwide.
Cabañas has been active with IACC for a number of years and serves as vice president of the IACC-Americas chapter, having joined the IACC-Americas board in 2011 and the IACC Global Board in 2012.
During his tenure, Cabañas co-chaired a task force to… more
Sep 18, 2015
Fall is a busy time in more ways than one in the trade show industry and several companies recently added to their ranks.
The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau appointed Doug Bennett as senior vice president of Convention Development. He replaces Jennifer Barnett who retired from the position after 22 years of service.
Bennett’s responsibilities include managing the convention sales team to achieve annual room night goals, developing and implementing the convention sales and marketing plan, outlining specific sales objectives and priorities for… more
Sep 08, 2015
Michael Gehrisch’s 15-year tenure as president and CEO of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the global association representing the destination marketing industry, has ended.
“We are thankful and appreciative of the leadership and significant contributions Michael has made during his tenure which have made a positive impact on the growth and respect of the destination marketing industry internationally. We wish him the best as he moves on to a new chapter in his life,” said Bob Lander, chairman of the DMAI Board of Directors and president and CEO of the Austin Convention… more
Aug 18, 2015
Traditionally a slower time for trade shows, companies in the industry utilized their time instead hiring new talent and promoting from within before the fall kicks off a busy season again.
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) hired Jason Means as director of membership. In his new role, Means will lead recruitment and retention programs for current and prospective ACVB members while managing the membership department.
Means brings nearly 10 years of combined hospitality and event experience to his new role.
“Jason’s knowledge and experience within the local hospitality… more
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.