Clarion UX Foodservice Events Launches New Buyer Programs
June 7, 2018
Clarion UX has implemented two new key buyer programs across its restaurant and foodservice event portfolio designed to quantifiably enhance exhibitor ROI.
Created to deliver VIP restaurateurs, foodservice professionals and retail buyers, the programs will be driven by Karen Gillis, key accounts manager for the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo; Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show; International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York and each show’s collocated Healthy Food Expo.
Gillis will serve as a liaison with VIP attendees while providing them with personal customer service to enhance their event experience.
“We are committed to providing our key operators, foodservice professionals and retailers with white glove service and are confident in Karen’s abilities to bring special treatment to these individuals who take time out of their busy schedules to attend our events,” said Tom Loughran, vice president of Clarion UX’s food and beverage event portfolio.
He continued, “Two programs will drive need-based appointments to our exhibiting customers and provide an example of our strategic priority to add value for our customers.”
With a buyer focus on micro-chains, medium volume independents, healthcare and education foodservice as well as partner associations, Clarion’s first program, “Five Star Club,” is available to pre-qualified buyers and up to 300 participating exhibitors free of charge.
Five Star Buyers simply select the exhibitors they are interested in and schedule a specific day and time to meet one-to-one with the exhibitor in their booth.
While there is no guarantee an exhibitor will receive appointments, the program is expected to generate over 1,000 meetings, with buyers who complete five appointments entered into a drawing for one of three $1,000 cash prizes.
The second and enhanced program, “MATCH!” is available to only 30 exhibitors and 35 hand-selected key buyers. This curated buyer list will be comprised of multi-unit operators with under 16 locations, restaurant groups and high-volume independents with annual gross revenue of over $3 million.
The MATCH! hosted buyer program will include hotel accommodations along with additional at-show amenities, while appointments will be scheduled using an innovative matching software based upon mutual selling and sourcing needs.
“The addition of Karen to the event team, coupled with the significant investment into the buyer programs, allows us to create a platform to ensure the specific buyers – whether from restaurant, foodservice or retail operations – are actively participating in the show,” Loughran said.
He added, “To be able to bring this investment allows our mission to align with that of the exhibitors, which is to provide sales leads and measurable ROI results.”
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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.
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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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