Rejection, Resilience and Reinvention!

Submitted by mswenson@tsnn.com on Mon, 01/11/2021 - 11:53

Let’s not sugarcoat it, the past 12 months have been difficult for everyone, especially the industry closest to our hearts: the business of meetings and events. It is easy to find ourselves a bit dejected and perhaps a bit confused. There was no rule book written for a year like 2020, and there’s no clear guide to move us forward in 2021. However, we’ve weathered storms together in the past, and we will move through this and dare I say, end up better than ever. With a little perspective and positivity, 2021 can be your best year yet!

Carrie Abernathy

Carrie Abernathy CMP, CEM, CSEP is an award-winning event strategist who has been active in the world of meetings for over 15 years. Carrie was co-founder of the Association for Women in Events, the Events Industry Sexual Harassment Task Force, and is a speaker, blogger and coach at A Woman with Drive. Carrie also co-hosts the talk show “Events: From Black to White,” which explores equality in the events industry.  

People News: Oklahoma City CVB, Reed Exhibitions, NEXT Events and More Announce Big Promotions, Expand Teams

As the trade show industry rings in a new year, several event and event-related organizations have made big promotions and added new team members as they prepare for brighter and busier 2021. 

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has named Zac Craig president of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau. Craig comes to the position after more than 11 years with Omni Hotels & Resorts, where he most recently served as area director of sales and marketing and was based in Atlanta. 

It’s Not How Hard You Get Hit…

Submitted by mswenson@tsnn.com on Mon, 01/04/2021 - 12:02

The year that was 2020, a cataclysmic and unprecedented year for the global trade show industry, is almost behind us. But as the inaugural virtual Expo! Expo! gets underway and its attendees look to the New Year with trepidation, we must also look at positive reasons the events of the past year have forever altered the trade show industry’s landscape.

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.