UFI's Open Seminar in Asia Debuts Feb. 28 in Jakarta
January 22, 2013
The 8th UFI Open Seminar in Asia in Jakarta, produced by UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, will kick off Feb. 28- March 1, featuring sessions with leaders in the industry.
"This is the 8th edition of the UFI Open Seminar in Asia, and it is the first time we have taken the event to Indonesia,” said Mark Cochrane, UFI’s regional manager Asia/Pacific. “Growth in South-East Asian exhibition markets has easily outpaced the rest of the region in recent years and we expect that trend to continue in 2013.”
He added, “In addition to the opportunity to network with more than 200 exhibition industry professionals, attendees will hear the views of industry leaders such as Stephen Tan, CEO of Singapore Exhibition Services, Jacques Racine, president of Sherpa Solutions and Benedict Soh, executive chairman of Kingsmen Creative. For anyone with an interest in the Asian exhibition industry, this is the most important event of the year!"
The event opens with UFI’s Managing Director Paul Woodward giving remarks, followed by Manu Bhaskaran, CEO and founding director, Centennial Asia Advisors Pte Ltd, Singapore, discussing “ASEAN in 2015: Where Are We Headed.”
Bhaskaran’s talk will assess the near term and long term prospects for Asian economies. It will also include an assessment of where Asian economic integration stands with a view on the progress made in establishing an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.
Next up Cliff Wallace, chairman, Shenyang New World Expo (Management), China, who previously headed the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as well, will head a session called “The Venue Landscape in Asia: An Appraisal.”
Attendees also will have the opportunity to hear from Stephen Tan, CEO, Singapore Exhibition Services & President, Allworld Exhibitions Alliance, Singapore, discussing his years of experience operating a leading exhibition organiser in South-East Asia as well as opportunities in emerging markets such as Indonesia, Myanmar and others.
In the one of the final sessions of the day, Steve Monnington, owner and founder of Mayfield Media Strategies, U.K., will talk about international partnerships.
The next day is filled with informative sessions focusing on technology, including mobile trends, as well as the changing role of exhibition contractors.
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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