Professional Convention Management Association Gives Back to Chicago Community
January 20, 2015
The Professional Convention Management Association not only brought thousands of convention managers to Chicago for a few days of networking and education last week during its Convening Leaders annual event, but it also gave back to the local community through several programs.
“These programs are one way of expressing our sincere thanks to this tremendous community. After our members leave, we hope these donations will leave a lasting impact on the communities, who need assistance in the Chicagoland area.” said Deborah Sexton, president and CEO, PCMA
Program: Party With A Purpose
Benefits: Future Founders, Network for the Needy® & PCMA Education Foundation
Twelve hundred meeting professionals celebrated for a cause as the proceeds from Party With a Purpose ticket sales help support Future Founders, PCMA’s Network for the Needy® and the PCMA Education Foundation. In its 22nd year, PWAP has raised more than $2 million for a range of notable causes as PCMA leads the meeting industry’s efforts to make a difference in communities around the world.
Program: Hospitality Helping Hands
Benefits: Greater Chicago Food Depository (Chicago’s food bank)
PCMA’s Hospitality Helping Hands program drew 120 Meeting professionals from around the globe who participated in this program with 100 percent of each participant’s $75 registration fee supporting the Hospitality Helping Hands program.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository, founded in 1979, makes a daily impact across Cook County with a network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile programs, children’s programs, older adult programs and innovative responses that address the root causes of hunger. Last year, the Food Depository distributed 67 million pounds of shelf-stable food, fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of 154,000 meals every day.
Program: Network for the Needy® Donation Drive: Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
Benefits: kids in crisis with the support and guidance they need to realize their own potential and make positive decisions. Mercy Home offers full time living, activities, mentor programs, AfterCare programs and more.
PCMA attendees can donate new toiletries, school supplies and pre-loaded gift cards at McCormick Place near Convening Leaders registration throughout the week.
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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