Freeman Acquires Australia-based Staging Connections Group Limited
October 21, 2015
Taking a major step to expand its overseas footprint, Dallas-based Freeman, a global provider of brand experiences, has acquired New South Wales, Australia-based Staging Connections Group Limited, a global event services company.
Founded in 1986, Staging Connections is an international business with offices in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and China.
With its 15 offices and 600 employees throughout ANZPAC, Staging Connections provides Freeman with an immediate presence throughout the region, according to Freeman officials.
“As our clients are expanding globally, they want the same level of Freeman quality, service, technology and support in markets around the world,” said Joe Popolo, Freeman’s CEO. “This acquisition provides us with an immediate presence in ANZPAC and connects us with an organization and team that shares our values and our design-driven, customer-centric approach to business.”
He added, “There are tremendous growth opportunities by combining these two great companies. Staging Connections has strong relationships with the leading brands in ANZPAC and a reputation for superior production design. Together, we will continue to deliver an unparalleled suite of services to our clients around the world.”
Staging Connections is aligned with Freeman’s value system and culture, and brings a customer-centric approach focused on innovation, partnerships, employee development and customer success, according to Freeman officials.
“There are a lot of synergies between Staging Connections’ culture and that of Freeman, particularly our customer-centric approach to event delivery. We’re confident that we will fit together seamlessly,” said Tony Chamberlain, managing director of Staging Connections.
Ken Sanders, president of Freeman Audio Visual, added, “We’ve been working with Staging Connections over the years and have been impressed with their people and their culture. There couldn’t be a better fit for Freeman as we continue to expand into global markets. I’m excited to have them join our audio visual division and thrilled to have managing director, Tony Chamberlain, as a partner.”
The acquisition was approved by Staging Connections’ shareholders at their shareholder meetings on Sept. 24 and by the Federal Court of Australia Oct. 1. Staging Connections now is part of Freeman’s audio visual division and will retain its brand.
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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