UFI Congress in Abu Dhabi on Track to Break Attendance Records
October 14, 2012
UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s Congress, coming up Nov. 6-9 in Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates, is on track to break all-time attendance records that were set at the 2010 event in Singapore that drew 425 attendees (including all delegates, speakers, staff and accompanying persons).
“We are now a few past that and aiming for 450-plus,” said Paul Woodward, UFI’s managing director. “There are already over 50 countries represented. This is, to put it mildly, really encouraging!”
Last year’s event in Valencia, Spain, drew 405 attendees.
“The value of top managers from across the industry and around the world coming together face to face has never been clearer,” Woodward said.
He added, “They are looking for more international business opportunity and the UFI membership brings together expertise from almost every country where major exhibitions are taking place.”
The four-day 79th UFI Congress is packed with educational sessions that will kick off with Hamish McRae,chief economics commentator of U.K.-based The Independent, presenting “What is happening to the world economy?”
Other sessions throughout the event include H.E. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Managing director of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, speaking on “Finding Growth in the Middle East” and a panel discussion moderated by Woodward addressing “When Can we Consider Growth to be Sustainable.”
Networking and other planned events will include sponsored meals, committee, association and chapter meetings, as well as a post-event tour in Abu Dhabi.
Woodward said that the opportunity to attend the Congress “is one of the most important UFI membership benefits.”
He added, “Members will be sitting down with their peers in a wide range of meetings throughout the Congress week to exchange ideas, uncover business opportunities and be inspired. We are focused on trying to make sure that we add value to our members’ businesses in all that we do and that we offer them good return for their time invested in UFI.”
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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