Cincinnati Prepares for a Robust Convention Year
February 9, 2012
The year ahead looks to be a promising one for the city of Cincinnati, which is anticipating a busy convention schedule, consisting of national and international events, as well as repeat and new group business.
In fact, according to the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Queen City is preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region this year.
“We’re welcoming thousands of visitors in 2012 who represent repeat convention business – people who came to Cincinnati, loved it and wanted to come back,” said Dan Lincoln, president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau.
He added, “We’re also bringing new groups to the region for events like the 2012 World Choir Games, which will bring in thousands of international visitors. And we trust they’ll have such a great experience that they’ll keep coming back time after time.”
What better way to kick off the city’s historic lineup of conventions than with its longest-running show in the history of the Cincinnati CVB?
Held Feb. 2-4 at the Duke Energy Convention Center, the 12th Annual V-Twin Expo experienced one of its best shows ever, attracting more than 8,000 attendees and 230-plus exhibitors spanning 52,000 square feet, according to Darcy Betlach, public relations and marketing communications manager of Paisano Publications, producers of the show.
“We were ecstatic about our attendance and our exhibitors were over the moon with the dealer traffic,” Betlach said. “There was a real positive energy and outlook and everybody was getting down to business.”
Sponsored by Easyriders Magazine, the event is the only exclusive V-Twin motorcycle trade show in the world and draws a specialized audience consisting of V-Twin dealers, retailers and manufacturers.
“Being here in Cincinnati for the 12th consecutive year is quite a statement about our exhibitors and attending dealers, especially in this trying economy,” said Jim Betlach, Paisano vice president of business relations.
He added, “It is also a testament to what Cincinnati has to offer as a convention destination in terms of geographic location, service and attractions.”
In its 12-year run in the city, the show has delivered $7.6 million in economic impact to the region and plans to stay in the city through 2016, according to Cincinnati USA representatives.
Besides V-Twin Expo, the Queen City will host 94 meetings and 142,000 attendees in 2012, with an expected economic impact of $50.7 million, they added.
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.
Add new comment