SISO Pledges $100,000 to Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation
September 17, 2013
At the recent Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation Predict conference in New York City, David Audrain, current chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, stood up at the end of the event and made a surprise announcement that SISO would be making a $100,000 donation to the CEIR Foundation during the next five years.
"We know and understand that all of the research that CEIR produces comes at a cost,” said Audrain, who also is president and CEO of Clarion Events North America.
He added, “The SISO board of directors believes in the important work CEIR produces, and recognizes the value that CEIR provides the industry through its renowned research including the annual CEIR Index. We are pleased to make this contribution in support of CEIR’s mission and strategic goals."
The donation will be used to further CEIR’s research efforts on the exhibition industry.
CEIR is dedicated to advancing the growth, awareness and value of exhibitions and other face-to-face marketing events by producing and delivering research tools that enable stakeholder organizations to enhance their ability to meet current and emerging customer needs, improve their business performance and strengthen their competitive position, according to CEIR officials.
"On behalf of CEIR’s Board of Directors, we are very grateful to SISO for their contribution,” said CEIR Chair and Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau President & CEO Greg Ortale.
He added, “This unprecedented decision by a sister organization in our industry will greatly benefit CEIR’s long-term research initiatives to provide the critical research and information that businesses need to support exhibitions as a vital marketing medium.”
The announcement was met with a round of applause from approximately attendees at the conference. Audrain then encouraged others in the room to also consider donating to the CEIR Foundation.
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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