IBTM Americas Will Head to Music City in 2016
July 28, 2015
Reed Travel Exhibitions’ IBTM Americas spent this year in Chicago and will head to Nashville, aptly named “Music City”, June 15-17 next year.
ibtm america 2015 featured more than 5,200 pre-scheduled appointments with mutually matched suppliers and buyers in a closed show environment that mixed business with networking and education.
Exhibitors averaged 29 appointments during the course of 2.5 days, according to ibtm officials.
“The excitement behind delivering our event in different key convention cities in the US adds variety and new experiences for all our attendees,” said Jaime McAuley, event director, ibtm america.
McAuley added, “Nashville is one of the hottest convention cities in America right now and whilst its very roots are in music (the Country Music Hall of Fame) there is also history, the arts, food – the city recently was nominated in the top 10 best BBQ cities in the US – and of course a variety of venues to benefit this industry. We will be there in one of its best months (June) and no doubt the town will be buzzing.”
The event will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the flagship property of Gaylord Hotels.
The Gaylord Opryland has 2,882 guest rooms onsite, 6 ballrooms, more than 100 conference and breakout rooms, approximately 600,000 square feet of meeting, convention and exhibit function space.
“There is no doubt that ibtm america will deliver not only another successful business event, but it will also deliver a real experience for all of our attendees,” McAuley said. “We fully expect many will want to either arrive early or stay on to make the most of the facilities, whether it’s to spend more time in downtown Nashville or at the Gaylord as this resort is certainly one of a kind in the USA.”
ibtm america 2016 will once again feature the all-inclusive innovative pod design, where exhibitors pay one price for a modular booth design ready on arrival for them to start the business of meetings.
Tina Gerson, director of national accounts at The Diplomat Hotel Florida, said of her experience as an exhibitor at this year’s event: "First experience of an ibtm event. I love the meeting pod concept, it takes it to another level compared to other shows. I loved the appointment system - everyone matched and I didn't need to even ask. I probably have a dozen solid leads from ibtm america and if just one books, it will have paid for my meeting pod! I would say 90% of hosted buyers who met with me had specific business for the future. I am looking forward to coming to Nashville in 2016!"
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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