Greenbuild Holds Its First Show Outside of U.S. in Toronto
September 25, 2011
The United States Green Building Council’s Greenbuild International Conference & Expo will be held for the first time outside of the U.S. in Toronto.
The show, on tap Oct. 4-7 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, includes programming, workshops and an exhibition floor that provides attendees an “unrivaled opportunity to learn about the latest technological innovations, explore new products and network with other professionals,” according to MTCC officials.
Because it’s a green building show, it only makes sense it would have high standards for any venue bidding to host it.
Greenbuild's mandatory green guidelines cover everything from an exhibitor's sustainability policy to ensuring booths measure up for air-quality to minimizing the impact of collateral and shipping materials.
"Toronto stood out to us for this year's show because of the growing number of green buildings, the strong Canadian Green Building Council infrastructure and the size of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, which is ideally located in the heart of the city, with numerous hotels, restaurants and other amenities within arm's reach,” said Kimberley Lewis, the USGBC's vice president of conferences & events.
More than 22,000 people are expected to attend Greenbuild, generating a positive impact on the local economy of more than $58 million from delegate spending, according to MTCC officials.
"We are delighted to welcome the USGBC and Greenbuild to our green building,” said Barry Smith, President and CEO of the MTCC.
He added, “When it comes to MTCC's environmental effort, our mantra is continuous improvement, so we're looking forward to learning from the experts in this field.”
Some of the sustainable efforts at the MTVV include offering green electricity, locally sourced menus and the possibility of having a zero-waste event, to name a few.
Last year’s Greenbuild show was held at Chicago’s McCormick Place and spanned 188,000 net square feet, placing it as No. 120 on the 2010 TSNN Top Trade Show List.
The show also will be honored as a fastest-growing event this year at the 2011 TSNN Event Excellence Awards (www.T-awards.com) Nov. 4-6 in D.C. for its growth in net square footage from 2008 to 2010.
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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