AIPC, ICCA and UFI Announce Global Alliance for Meetings Industry
July 2, 2019
The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), The International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), and The International Congress and Convention Association will collaborate more closely in the future to generate better benefits for their respective members, as well as the international meetings industry.
“With our Global Alliance, the three of us choose value for our members [and] choose collaboration over competition,” said Craig Newman, president of UFI.
The global alliance effort among the three associations was announced last week.
“We are all organizations with a global membership and perspective, and already complement each other’s activities in various ways,” said Aloysius Arlando, president of AIPC. “However, as the business models of exhibitions, congresses, conferences and other types of business meetings evolve, the overlap of global associations servicing the industry is growing even further.”
A series of educational exchanges bringing together each organization’s content in their respective conferences will kick off the partnership. They will also begin to align their approaches to areas such as research and advocacy, and leadership teams will engage in regular dialogue to get on the same page on topics such as industry standards, terminology and best practices.
“Certainly the exchange of content and insights will provide better access for members to additional resources, but there is another factor here, which is the opportunity to increase consistency in the areas where we overlap” said Rod Cameron, executive director of AIPC. “This will not only enhance overall industry, performance but boost our collective credibility amongst other industry sectors.”
Dedicated to excellence in convention center management, AIPC represents 190 convention centers in 64 countries and has active involvement from more than 900 management-level professionals.
ICCA represents suppliers around the world for international meetings and events, comprising 1,100 member companies in close to 100 countries.
UFI is a global association of trade show organizers and exhibition center operators. Its main goal is to represent and support business interests of 50,000 exhibition industry employees globally in 90 countries.
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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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