New Network Seeks Advancement for Women in North American Exhibitions Industry
March 19, 2021
After two years in the making, the Women in Exhibitions Network North America Chapter recently launched. Fittingly, the inaugural event was virtual — on Zoom — and held on March 8, International Women’s Day.
The group is a safe place for women to discuss lessons learned over decades in the industry and see a path forward for more leadership positions. It’s widely known, and often bemoaned, that women are underrepresented in leading roles despite their prevalence in the events industry.
Three legends in the field — Nancy Walsh, president of North America, Informa; Mary Larkin, president, Diversified and Carrie Freeman Parsons, chair, Freeman — spoke to more than 165 attendees, including Oana Cipca, the founder of the International WIEN.
“Therein lies the silver lining of COVID, we had the time to finally do what we had wanted to do and connect, even though we were on different continents,” said Martha Donato, co-founder of WIEN North America and president and co-founder of Mad Event Management.
Themes included in the opening session included:
- Why not us?
- You can have it all — a career and family
- Never be afraid to ask
- Use existing relationships to push yourself forward
Donato co-founded the chapter with an official start date of Jan. 1, 2021, along with Stephanie Selesnick, who serves as secretary and heads International Trade Information and Laura Purdy, who serves as treasurer and is general manager of Toronto’s Exhibition Place.
The launch event also served as a kickoff for a membership drive. WIEN is open to all women involved in the North American exhibitions industry whose business is related to the organization and facilitation of both B2B and B2C exhibitions. Members do not need to be currently employed by a company or association in the industry to join.
Membership will be opening soon for anyone who is interested. To stay up to date on the chapter and be updated when membership opens, click here.
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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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