5 Ways to Help Your International Attendees

May 13, 2013

International attendees often have a unique set of requirements as well as expectations from your event. Here are some tips to facilitate successful participation from your global audience:

  1. Multi-lingual Web site

If a significant volume of web traffic is expected to come from non-English speaking countries, consider building dedicated web pages with key information in the language or languages popular with this audience. Another option could be to plug in a tool like Google Translate to automatically detect the default language for a user's operating system and translate the content accordingly. For example, the Atlanta Visitor’s Bureau does a good job of offering a multi-lingual site.

  1. Detailed Instructions

Your event may have specific rules and terms for attendees coming from a different country. Make it easy for them to access such information by providing it on your website and in their printed registration package. An International Visitors tab in the main navigation can offer an easy to locate resource for your attendees to follow these specific guidelines, directions and helpful information. An international visitor FAQ is also an excellent place to compile the information that is most often of concern.

  1. Visa Invitation Letter

Provide an option to request and download a customized Visa Invitation Letter online to help speed up the visa application process.

  1. Package Deals

Sweeten the deal for global travelers by bundling housing and entertainment options with their event registration. If the visitors don't have to worry about local arrangements, they will be able to focus on business at the event and be willing to return to it year after year. The less stressful you can make the experience, the more positive their impression will be of your event.

  1. Focused Customer Service

A concerted effort to provide specialized services to an international audience is sure to be appreciated. Features such a separate lounge area, on-site interpreters or customized conference content can provide long lasting value to your international attendees. In addition, an international reception can help to facilitate networking and boost the business connections your visitors make.

 

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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.