Process Expo Wraps Up in Chicago With International and Overall Attendance Upticks
November 15, 2011
The Food Processing Suppliers Association’s 2011 Process Expo closed its show, which ran Nov. 1-4 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, with not only a 14-percent attendance uptick in international attendance, compared with the 2010 show, but also a record-breaker.
The largest overseas delegations came from Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Germany.
It wasn’t just international attendance that saw a spike though, the overall number of attendees and exhibit floor also grew, according to FPSA officials.
"We're very happy with the strong turnout at this year's show," said Scott Scriven, chairman of FPSA and president of Weber.
He added, "Not only did we double the size of the showfloor over last year's, we delivered more than twice as many attendees to the show at the same time. When you take the economy into account and what is going on at other industry trade shows, these results are absolutely remarkable and demonstrate the industry's enthusiastic support of a horizontal tradeshow dedicated entirely to the food and beverage industry."
The 2011 educational program featured three main areas of interest, including the Manufacturing Solutions: Practical Responses to Food Industry Challenges, which included sessions focus on key issues of concern in the food and beverage industry; the Seminario de Innovaciones, which was dedicated entirely to Process Expo’s attendees from Latin America; and the Siemens Exhibitor Spotlight Theater, which delivered a series of short technical workshops throughout the day on the show floor, covering a wide variety of topics of interest to food processors.
"This year, special attention was placed on the attendee experience at PROCESS EXPO," said FPSA President and CEO David Seckman.
He added, "This year's show featured a greatly expanded educational program built with input from the food processor community. Culinary and industry council pavilions highlighted finished products for the consumer, and mobile resources such as the Process Expo mobile app and eDaily provided attendees with more information at their fingertips."
Last year, FPSA announced Process Expo would become a biennial event. The next show will be held Oct. 14-17, 2013, at McCormick Place.
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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