Trade Show Veteran Cindy Sample Named New Head of NAMM's Events
May 27, 2013
The National Association of Music Merchants recently named Cindy Sample director of Trade Show Operations, overseeing the association’s events.
Sample previously held the position as operations director for Nielsen Expositions, where she worked on shows such as Outdoor Retailer and ASD Las Vegas.
"It is critically important to us that our members have an amazing experience at NAMM's trade events," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM.
He added, "Cindy's reputation as a creative, innovative and visionary professional, as well as her 18 years of trade show operations experience will bring real value to our global membership and the industry."
Sample replaces Kevin Johnstone, who worked at NAMM for 18 years and now runs his own consulting firm, KJ Event Support.
In her new position, Sample will oversee the production and implementation of the annual NAMM shows, including daily operations, along with negotiating operational contracts and liaising with host cities and venues.
"I am very excited to join NAMM. The NAMM Show is such a well-established event of incredibly charismatic music professionals and I'm so grateful to be a part of it," Sample said.
She added, "I look forward to this opportunity to help support the future of the industry through NAMM trade shows and events with continued innovation, process improvements, and exciting new events like the TEC Awards. My focus will be to help bring the industry a show that they absolutely cannot miss."
The NAMM Show was ranked No. 33 on the 2012 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list and is held annually in Anaheim.
A resident of Southern California, Sample will be based out of NAMM's Carlsbad, Calif., headquarters. She also will oversee the Summer NAMM Show, held annually in Nashville, Tenn.
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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