IMEX 2021 in Frankfurt Is Cancelled
January 11, 2021
IMEX announced on Monday that it is cancelling its annual trade show and conference in Frankfurt this year. The prestigious trade show and conference was scheduled to be held in Frankfurt, Germany, May 25-27.
In making the announcement, IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom and CEO Carina Bauer said that the organization believed the pace of the coronavirus recovery would prohibit the type of event attendees are used to experiencing.
According to the statement, “We still believe wholeheartedly that a resurgence will come, but sadly we do not believe it will happen in time for us to deliver a strong and successful event in May.”
Bloom and Bauer added that they have high confidence that IMEX America will occur Nov. 9-11 in Las Vegas and that it’s full steam ahead for IMEX Frankfurt to return April 26-28, 2022.
Still reeling from challenges from COVID-19, the meetings and events industry is eager for any signs of normalcy. CES 2021 is happening all virtually this week, but other trade shows such as Surf Expo are going in-person as originally scheduled.
The timing was not lost on IMEX, which noted: “The timing of our announcement comes as a blow so early in 2021. More than anything, and like you, we’re eager to deliver some good news and mark a fresh start.”
IMEX is without a doubt one of the industry’s largest and most important events. More than 150 countries are represented—a fact that made this year’s event so challenging. Rules about international travel remain in flux, and many countries in Europe remain in a temporary lockdown.
Sharing the same forecast as many within the trade show world, IMEX predicted the vaccine roll-out will allow for large-scale face-to-face gathering toward the final months of the year. Hence, IMEX Americas appears to be in safe shape.
To keep its attendees engaged, IMEX will continue with its digital offerings to help facilitate future business, educate event professionals and serve as a forum for innovation. Those same ideals will shape IMEX going forward as well, noted Bloom and Bauer.
“When we do deliver another IMEX show — you can count on it being one worth waiting for.”
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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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