Two Travel Industry Shows to Launch This Year
February 21, 2020
The ever-expanding tourism market is getting two new shows this year, one geared toward consumers with a job fair component, and one for business events professionals. Take a look.
Exceptional Experiences in Barcelona
Reed Travel Exhibitions will launch Exceptional Experiences, a two-day conference and ideas showcased on experiential marketing and live events, in Barcelona later this year.
Set for Dec. 2-3 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via conference center in Spain, the show will take place alongside the business events trade show IBTM World and bring together the creative live events community with marketers and event planners. It will also serve as a platform for one-on-one networking meetings.
“With current predictions estimating that global expenditure on the ‘experience economy’ will hit £8.2trillion [about $10.6 trillion] by 2028, marketers and event planners need to ensure they’re delivering live events and experiences that resonate on a personal and emotional level with potential and existing customers,” said Natalie Whittaker, event manager for Exceptional Experience.
She continued, “We know from our research and feedback from RTE’s customer base… that there is a huge appetite for knowledge sharing, learning and for the opportunity to engage and interact with products and services that can support brand marketers in delivering exceptional experiences. Strategically, and for our customers, it makes sense to run Exceptional Experiences alongside IBTM World in Barcelona. The content and attendees are complementary, which gives us the opportunity to provide additional value and enhance both events.”
Learn more about Exceptional Experiences here.
Port of Go in Orlando
Created in partnership with travel industry mogul R. Stan Kelly and advertising agency Othal Partners, Port of Go is a new biannual, consumer-centric show set to launch this fall in Orlando, with a second event planned for spring 2021.
Described as a cruise, destination and travel showcase, it will be designed to connect consumers with merchants in an interactive way. Kelly predicts at least 20,000 attendees and 180 vendors and sponsors at the first event, set for Oct. 10-11 at Orange County Convention Center.
Consumers should expect to see a fashion show, international wine tasting, an extensive bevy of products to sell live and online and a job fair for travel workers, says Kelly. The job fair component will help assist companies in hiring well-qualified talent to fill increasing demand.
Learn more about Port of Go here.
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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