Scheduled Las Vegas-based Shows, IAEE Release Statements in Wake of Mass Shooting
October 2, 2017
In the wake of the mass shooting last night on the site of the Route 91 Harvest country music festival outside the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, several shows scheduled in Las Vegas in the coming week have released statements.
Global Gaming Expo (G2E), which is set to open Oct. 3-5 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, attracts more than 450 exhibitors and 26,000 attendees.
American Gaming Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman released the following statement:
"The American Gaming Association and our Global Gaming Expo (G2E) partner, Reed Exhibitions, are closely monitoring the horrific events that took place in Las Vegas earlier this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with those that were affected, and with the people of Las Vegas and Nevada.
G2E annually welcomes 26,000 visitors and is scheduled to open, as planned, today with the G2E conference program, while exhibitor move in continues for the show to open tomorrow. The AGA and Reed Exhibitions will be in constant contact with local and national law enforcement and our host, Las Vegas Sands. We will closely monitor the situation and safety remains our priority.
The gaming industry is a tight-knit community and Las Vegas is the beating heart of our operations. The AGA and Reed Exhibitions will offer our full assistance as the city recovers, and we will strive to honor the victims of this tragic event."
IMEX America, also set to take place at the Sands beginning next week and drawing thousands of meeting planner attendees and suppliers to the industry, released the following statement from IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer:
“We are shocked and saddened at the events that have taken place in Las Vegas recently. Both IMEX America and the Sands have very strong security in place, with both visible and plain clothes security teams in the venue and at the tradeshow. Over the coming days we will be working closely with the Sands, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Las Vegas authorities to assess any additional security measures that are needed at this time. We will take their full advice in ensuring the best possible security and safety of our guests. We will give further information as it becomes available.”
International Association of Exhibitions and Events' (IAEE) President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, CTA, FASAE, released the following statement: “Our prayers and thoughts go out to all those negatively affected by this deplorable act of violence. As an Exhibitions and Events and Hospitality industry we must continue to enhance our safety and security protocols and procedures and do our best to mitigate these types of tragic incidents.”
The Wedding MBA - Wedding Pro Convention, scheduled to open today and run through Oct. 4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, posted the following message on Twitter:
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the Route 91 Outdoor Country Music Festival. The Wedding MBA schedule remains the same.”
InsureTech Connect, on tap Oct. 3-5 at Caesars Palace and expecting 3,000 attendees, posted the following message on its show web site:
“Our mood is solemn and our hearts go out to those affected. We do not, however, expect any major disruptions to ITC.”
Updates:
Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) - which runs CES annually every January in Las Vegas, released the following statement:
"We are all shocked and saddened by the tragic shooting last night in Las Vegas. As host to CES, the city is like a second home to the entire CES family. We, like so many across the nation, are waiting to hear that our family and friends are safe. Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Las Vegas community."
Statement from Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority; “The thoughts and prayers of all of Las Vegas go out to the victims and their families. This was a horrific, yet isolated, incident. At this time, it is important to allow the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police to conclude their investigation into the incident and to attend to the needs of the victims and their families. Las Vegas is a strong community that will work through this tragic incident. We are grateful beyond words to our incomparable law enforcement, first responders and everyone who continues to help victims and their families.”
Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO, National Restaurant Association, producer of NRA Show; “We extend our prayers and thoughts to the victims and families affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas. Our community stands with our colleagues and friends at the Las Vegas restaurants and hotels affected by this horrific incident.”
Please follow @TSNN_com_US for more updates.
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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