CoNEXTions 2015 Trade Show Cancels in Baltimore Amidst Violent Protests
April 28, 2015
As a result of violent protests in Baltimore that broke out following the funeral of Freddie Gray, who died while in police custody, the Door and Hardware Institute decided to cancel its CoNEXTions 2015 trade show, which was scheduled April 29-May 1 at the Baltimore Convention Center.
“The DHI Board of Governors has discussed this issue in great detail this evening, with the overriding concern of the safety of our attendees while at our event in Baltimore,” DHI officials said in a letter on the show’s Web site.
The letter continued, “With that primary concern in mind, they have unanimously decided to cancel CoNEXTions 2015 in Baltimore. There are significant financial ramifications of this decision that were discussed at length before this decision was made.”
The show was meant to bring 2,000 attendees to the city who would have utilized 2,500 room nights, according to Tom Noonan, Visit Baltimore president and CEO.
“Visit Baltimore and city officials have been working with the organization's leadership over the past several days to provide them with information and support as they discussed their options,” he added. “At the end of the day, they felt that the current situation left them no alternative.”
DHI officials said the impact of cancelling the event goes beyond just the organization, but also affects “our exhibitors, attendees, service providers, speakers and includes the local economy via the hotels, restaurants, and establishments, all the way to the clerks and wait staff.”
They added, “It is not a decision that is taken lightly, but we expect that you would agree that the safety and security of our members and attendees is our highest priority.”
Visit Baltimore also said the American Heart Association canceled its in-hotel meeting that was scheduled to be held in Baltimore this week.
The AFCEA Defensive Cyber Operations Symposium, coming May 5-7 to the Baltimore CC, said on its Web site that they still are planning on holding the event.
They added, "This morning, we spoke with representatives from the convention center and the city of Baltimore and thoroughly examined present and potential security actions. There are no reported disruptions to ongoing events at the center or surrounding hotels. However, the situation has not completely stabilized and information is only now improving."
“We’re continuing to serve as a resource for other groups that are planning meetings in the city over the next 30-60 days,” Noonan said.
There currently is a curfew enacted in Baltimore, and the National Guard also was called in.
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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