Speaker, Session Line Up Unveiled for 3rd Annual CEIR Predict Conference
July 30, 2013
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research unveiled the speaker and session line up geared toward C-level executives in the trade show industry for its 3rd annual CEIR Predict: Inspiring Confidence in an unPREDICTable Time conference.
The event will be held Sept. 12 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and typically draws more than 125 C-level trade show industry leaders, M&A representatives, financiers, economists and sponsor suppliers.
"This year's Predict will continue in the collaborative spirit for which it is known, and we have designed a program to address the hard questions so attendees' expectations will be exceeded and they will leave with a sense of the economic outlook for their own events,” said Bob Priest-Heck, chair of the 2013 CEIR Predict Task Force and COO of Freeman.
He added, “The line-up of speakers and moderators is extraordinary this year, and will keep attendees engaged and not only at Predict but for the foreseeable future."
New this year, mayors from four large cities will discuss the economic impact of the trade show industry. The speakers include Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, City of Baltimore, Md., Mayor Michael S. Rawlings, City of Dallas, Texas, Mayor Annise D. Parker, City of Houston, Texas, and Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orange County, Fla.
Topics that will be addressed by the mayors include what the future may hold for their cities and the long-term impact that trade shows are having on their facilities, labor unions, local businesses and more.
Also new this year, Bain & Company Senior Economist/Macro Trends Group Austin Kim will provide an outlook on the global and regional macro economies and which indicators are important to watch.
He will discuss future projections during the session, “Global Economic Outlook and Impact on the Exhibition Industry”, and provide insight about the current impact of improving consumer confidence and spending in regard to home sales, construction and automobile sales, to name a few.
During the event, the CEIR Index, which tracks the health of the trade show industry, also will be discussed. The latest index released indicated that while the industry is still growing, it is starting to lag behind GDP.
Other sessions throughout the day include “Collaborative Crowdsourcing and its Impact on the Exhibition Industry”, as well as sessions focused on specific industries such as Building, Construction, Home & Repair/Raw Materials, Communications and Information Technology/Healthcare and Manufacturing/Consumer Goods, among others.
For a full schedule visit www.ceir.org/predict.
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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