People News: End of 2012, Beginning of 2013 Hiring in Full Speed
January 7, 2013
December usually is a quiet month, but instead, there were a spate of new hires that led right into even more at the start of 2013.
With unemployment figures in the United States continuing to stabilize, the trade show industry is ahead of the curve with a busy hiring season.
Experient hired Heidi Voorhees as senior vice president of Housing, in which she will lead the company’s housing sales and operations.
“The meetings and event industry is ripe for unified registration and housing technologies backed by an organization with strong leadership,” said Shawn Pierce, president of Experient’s Registration and Housing division.
He added, “Heidi’s depth of experience, leadership acumen, and track record of success are exactly what the company needs for its next major phase of growth.”
Voorhees comes to Experient from the Institute of Food Technologists, organizer of the world’s largest annual food expo, where she served as vice president of meetings and events and vice president of strategic initiatives.
Prior to that, she was managing director for National Foundation for Judicial Excellence, senior director at Defense Research Institute and convention manager at SmithBucklin Corporation.
Shepard Exposition Services appointed industry veteran Doug Whittemore as a national sales manager to its trade show sales team in Washington, D.C.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring in somebody with the experience, relationships and skill-set that Doug brings to the table,” said Richard Maples, executive vice president of sales for Shepard.
He added, “Any time that you can add somebody like this to your team, it benefits everybody in the organization.”
Whittemore began his career in the D.C, area working with Andrews-Bartlett. He also has worked for various general service contractors all across the country.
Here are several other new hires:
Fifteen-year industry veteran Matt Beavers has been named general manager of 3D Exhibits’ newly expanded Las Vegas operation.
SmartSource Computer & Audio Visual Rentals appointed Chuck DiGiaimo as director, Mid Atlantic Sales.
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau recently hires Amy Clark, director of sales, Lily Leiva, director of eCommerce and Kathryn Wilhoite, specialist, consumer markets & marketing services.
SMG named Angie Mykel as General Manager of the Lynnwood (Wash.) Convention Center.
Industry veteran Kevin Ruehl joins Exhibit Systems project management team, where he will provide hands-on marketing and design services to help the company’s customers incorporate their brands and messaging into 3-D environments.
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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