Connect Partners with World Meetings Forum to Expand Reach Into Americas and Caribbean
November 15, 2021
Connect teamed with World Meetings Forum (WFM), one of the most important events linking qualified hosted buyers with suppliers for the MICE industry, as part of its ongoing mission to present event planners with a diverse group of impressive destinations.
WFM has nearly 10 years of presence in Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean and was the first event in the region to return face-to-face in 2020 in Los Cabos.
Rafael Hernandez, chair of the WFM, will act as a liaison to Latin American, Central American and Spanish-speaking Caribbean DMCs to attend future Connect events.
“We are extremely excited to have highly regarded partners such as Rafael Hernandez and the World Meetings Forum,” said Derek Rodriguez, Connect’s vice president of sales. “I am confident that this would only add to the value Connect offers the events industry as we all are looking to rebound from such a challenging period.”
Hernandez, who has been a leading voice for professional events in Latin America for two decades, has the established connections to further bolster the strong set of suppliers and event professionals Connect attendees have come to expect at its events.
The increased presence of such destinations will meet the increasing demand of Connect attendees looking to source international association conferences, global corporate meetings and incentive trips in Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond. Through Connect’s innovative reverse-style trade show, planners meeting one-on-one with representatives from international destinations can initiate their RFP process and build important business connections.
“We see a great opportunity to help and open new business opportunities for exhibitors that want and need new opportunities with the U.S.-based qualified buyers at Connect events,” Hernandez said. “We expect the same excitement for U.S. companies that can take advantage of opportunities in this part of the world.”
The timing of the announcement comes as Connect has begun planning for its 2022 portfolio of events. Highlights include Connect Spring Marketplace in Puerto Rico, May 22-24, and Connect Marketplace in Detroit, Aug. 8-10, both of which are expected to draw thousands of the industry’s best event professionals. Connect 2021, Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Tampa, Fla., drew approximately 2,500 event professionals, a sign of a welcomed step forward for the events industry.
Connect pledges to build off that momentum to facilitate necessary face-to-face professional events with planners and destinations eager to bring in new business. Connect fully expects a robust increase in business travel in 2022 and aims to continue being a leader in finding the right venue matches for important meetings and events.
Photo: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
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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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