SOURCING at MAGIC to Debut Global Digital Trade Event in Las Vegas This Fall
July 8, 2020
There will be a new digital feature at this year’s SOURCING at MAGIC, Informa Markets Fashion’s annual sourcing and supply chain event serving the fashion apparel, footwear and accessory markets. Set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at Las Vegas Convention Center alongside MAGIC Marketplace, SOURCING will debut its new virtual trade event designed to connect global buyers and suppliers who are unable to attend the physical show in person due to international travel restrictions.
Created to complement what will be a smaller, made-in-the-USA-focused physical event this year, SOURCING’s digital marketplace will officially launch on Sept. 15 and run through Dec. 15.
“We are thrilled to launch this new digital marketplace where, for the first time for our buyers, they will have the opportunity to connect with an even larger global network of manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers dynamically and instantaneously, 24/7,” said Andreu David, event manager of SOURCING at MAGIC. “It’s going to be a huge value-add for our global fashion community.”
According to Informa officials, the show plans to create a dedicated Innovation Center with multiple screens where buyers can digitally source international manufacturers, suppliers and service providers via a proprietary, user-friendly online platform, with socially distanced show team members standing by to assist. Online exhibitors will have the ability to customize and showcase their digital company profiles, implement lead generation, connect with attendees through integrated video conferencing and direct messaging, and access data analytic reports directly from their dashboard.
In addition, SOURCING’s digital counterpart will feature expert-driven exclusive content and educational resources for attendees and exhibitors, just like the face-to-face event.
Meanwhile, the “reimagined” physical show at the LVCC will feature modified hours and a curated selection of domestic suppliers. Designed to cater to U.S. exhibitors and attendees, the event will focus on domestic companies and U.S.-represented importers only while strictly adhering to local and national health and safety guidelines, according to show officials.
“As much as we wish we could execute our normal sourcing event with over 30 countries, we are excited for this opportunity to highlight our incredible U.S. fashion manufacturing community,” said MAGIC President Kelly Helfman. “The digital event, which will be open for commerce before, during and after the physical show, will be the perfect complement to the smaller, physical event.”
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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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