SITE, IAEE, MPI Come Together to Launch Global MICE Collaborative
October 18, 2018
During a press conference at 2018 IMEX America in Las Vegas, three leading associations in the meetings, trade show and incentive travel industries announced they have joined forces to develop a workforce in emerging markets outside of the U.S. and Canada.
The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Meeting Professionals International (MPI) have joined forces to launch the Global MICE Collaborative that will provide professional resources on exhibitions, meeting and event planning and incentive travel to foster the development of the MICE professions, and MICE professionals, in emerging markets.
David DuBois, IAEE’s president and CEO, told the press and others gathered at the announcement, “This is a very exciting day for us to be up here to tell you about this collaborative.”
The Global MICE Collaborative will focus on MICE workforce development and destination awareness through competency-building, live events, research, consulting and access to a vibrant community of experienced professionals.
- Through professional competencies, the Global MICE Collaborative will deliver unparalleled comprehensive education and certification to develop the workforce and advance the professionalism of the industry.
- Through live events, the Global MICE Collaborative will bring MICE professionals together in experiences that inspire, energize and provide ongoing professional development and business exchanges.
- Through peer-to-peer engagement the Global MICE Collaborative will be the world’s go-to community for MICE professionals, delivering relationship value at every stage of their careers.
- Through destination consulting, the Global MICE Collaborative will provide consultation, market research and trade education that will enable tourism and destination marketing organizations, venue operators, event organizers and destinations to reach the highest level of success.
- Through research and advocacy, the Global MICE Collaborative will bring awareness of the value of the MICE industry and propel the industry forward by delivering data-driven trend reporting and pan-industry initiatives.
"Incentive Travel – the ‘I’ in MICE - is the fastest growing segment of the MICE industry and SITE is the only global association focused exclusively on Incentive Travel,” said SITE CEO Didier Scaillet, CIS, CITP.
He added, “We are thrilled to join together with IAEE and MPI to provide MICE professionals in emerging destinations the resources and competencies they need to grow their MICE business."
Many cities and regions are investing in infrastructure to increase their appeal as a MICE destination.
However, they often lack the know-how and human capital to deliver meetings, incentives, events and exhibitions to international standards.
By engaging with the Global MICE Collaborative, officials from the associations involved said “destinations will benefit through increased awareness and heightened professionalism that will ultimately attract more MICE business.”
The collaborative will launch first in Asia, Latin America and Africa.
To learn more about the Global MICE Collaborative go to www.micecollaborative.com
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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