Alan Steel Named President and CEO of New York's Javits Center
February 26, 2012
Alan Steel, a 30-year veteran of the trade show industry, has been named president and CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York.
Steel is replacing Gerald T. McQueen, the center’s leader for the past 14 years, who resigned in October and stayed in his post until a successor was found.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with the various constituencies which interact with the Javits Center,” Steel said.
He added, “It's obviously an interesting time here. My primary goals will be to make a real difference to the customer experience and to address issues and opportunities related to recent announcements concerning the building's future."
Steel joined George Little Management nearly 30 years ago and knows the Javits Center well, with GLM’s flagship gift show, the New York International Gift Fair, being a mainstay in the building.
He started at GLM in 1982 and oversaw not only corporate strategic planning and direction for the company's shows, including the National Stationery Show and SURTEX, but also was active in developing domestic and international markets for the company.
Before GLM, Steelworked for more than 15 years with the British government in a number of trade-related positions at theDepartment of Trade and Industry in London, theBritish Consulate in Chicagoand theBritish Trade Development Office in New York.
Last year, Daily Mail and General Trust, dmg world media's parent company, sold GLM to Providence Equity Partners, led by former Canon Communications’ CEO Charles McCurdy, and after a transition period, Steel left the company.
Steel is joining Javits at a time when the center’s future has been questioned after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a plan involving a private Malaysian company financing the build of a massive center near the Aqueduct Race Track.
As part of that plan, there have been calls to tear down the Javits Center, which sits on valuable development land.
During his tenure at the Javits Center, McQueen helped transform it from a place plagued by corruption and racketeering to a venue with a stable work force, well-maintained building and capable management team.
"I regret leaving a job that has been such a large part of my professional life", McQueen said. "But secure in the knowledge that Alan Steel can continue Javits' mission of providing excellent customer service and economic impact to the city and state of New York.”
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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