SMG Wins Fourth Public CC Bid in Past Year, Tops 14 Million Square Feet of Prime Space
November 10, 2011
In a little over one year, West Conshohocken, Pa.-based SMG has won its fourth public bid to manage the Jekyll Island Convention Center on the Georgia Coast, which is set to open in the second quarter of 2012, giving the management firm more than 14 million square feet of prime space it now oversees.
The newest win was from the Jekyll Island Authority that selected SMG among three respondents to a request for proposals for management.
Earlier this year, SMG was selected to manage Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex, the largest convention center in North America, as well as the Montego Bay Convention Centre, overlooking the Caribbean in Jamaica.
In addition, late last year, SMG was selected unanimously to manage Detroit’s Cobo Center, with major renovations helping to regain positioning of the historic venue.
“We are proud of the reputation we have built in this space, and always appreciate the municipal clients who recognize the value of our brand and our leadership team,” said Wes Westley, SMG president and CEO.
He added, “SMG has the proven experience and systems to deliver on the promise of service excellence we have built over the past 34 years.”
In all, SMG manages 68 convention venues, and, with the addition of McCormick Place and Cobo Center, SMG now manages nine of the 40 largest venues in North America, according to SMG officials.
SMG doesn’t just manage convention center, the firm also is responsible for the management and marketing of more than 220 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums and performing arts venues in nine countries.
“For years we have noted the parallels of value of the SMG brand with those of the major hotel chains,” said Gregg Caren, SMG’s senior vice president of strategic business development.
He added, “Like the Hyatt roots that launched SMG at the Superdome in 1977, we have built a very specialized hospitality focused business that understands the needs of our municipal owners, destination marketing partners and — most importantly — our national and local event planning clients that have come to trust us.”
Some of SMG’s services include venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services, as well as food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering company SAVOR, currently serving more than 100 accounts worldwide.
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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