Shepard Expands Capabilities with Launch of Audio Visual Services
December 2, 2016
Shepard, a trade show services and event production company, has launched Shepard Audio Visual Services to add to its growing line of offerings.
“In order to increase customer satisfaction, it is our responsibility to grow our offering with new and innovative services,” said Carl Mitchell, Shepard’s executive chairman.
He added, “We are committed to making investments that will enhance and streamline the planning process for the events we serve.”
Industry veteran and AV expert Stuart Danneman has joined the Shepard team as vice president of audio visual services to spearhead the launch and integration of the new offering.
AV is the second major service expansion Shepard has announced this quarter, the first being Production and Entertainment Services.
Providing what they call a “fresh, consultative approach to the AV experience”, the Shepard team said it plans to collaborate with show organizers and exhibitors to develop customized AV plans to suit their unique needs.
The service will utilize the latest in equipment and technology, innovative techniques, and expert crews to supply each customer with an industry-leading service.
This strategic expansion, combined with Production and Entertainment, provides Shepard customers with a full complement of services making them a single-source solution for all their event needs, according to Shepard officials.
Danneman has 30 years of experience in the AV industry, providing services to tradeshows, conferences and events.
He has held sales and operational management positions in four nationally recognized AV companies.
Prior to joining Shepard, Danneman spent 21 years with a leading AV provider, where he was responsible for more than 20 national touring productions for corporate clients, associations and trade shows.
“I have been working with Shepard for most of my professional career; I am excited to lead the launch of this service for a company I already feel a part of,” Danneman said.
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.
Add new comment