Connect Sports Virtual Brings Together 180 Participants in Sports Tourism
September 15, 2020
On Sept. 9-10, Connect Sports, a live business conference and reverse trade show for sporting event planners and those in the sports travel and tourism industry, held its first-ever online event, Connect Sports Virtual. The two-day online conference attracted 180 participants — 90 attendees and 90 suppliers — seeking to gain industry insights, make professional connections and generate new business.
In the digital event’s new virtual appointment lounge, 3,912 one-on-one marketplace appointments were conducted with the help of Connect’s matchmaking platform. Suppliers who attended indicated receiving an average of 4.8 new business development opportunities from the meetings, which were held in virtual break-out rooms supported by a robust virtual event platform. Planners attended an average of 23.5 virtual appointments each, according to Connect officials.
By combining the human-to-human experience of Connect Sports Marketplace with engaging virtual programming, Connect Sports aimed to rebuild business foundations for the sports tourism industry, said Patrick Higgins, vice president at Connect. The company — which produces marketplace conferences, magazines and websites for event professionals in the meetings, events, travel and tourism industries — has previously held smaller online events prior to this one.
“Connect Sports Virtual was a great testament to the power of continuing to bring the right people together in the right environment,” Higgins said. “We’re looking forward to continuing our winning streak when we bring corporate, association, faith and specialty attendees together with Connect Express [in October].”
During Connect Sports Virtual, virtual attendees were able to take advantage of five general sessions, two virtual networking functions and three marketplace appointment sessions that resulted in an average of 23.5 virtual appointments per attendee. Of those meetings, planners rated 44.5 percent of their supplier meetings as “Great Presentation,” 41.5 percent as “Immediate Business Potential” and 9.5 percent as “Deal in Negotiation.”
According to Connect officials, 73 percent of planners said they preferred the Connect virtual platform compared to what they have already experienced from the virtual events they’d attended so far in 2020.
“This was my first year attending Connect Sports, and with the virtual setting and experience being so good, I can only imagine how great the in-person meetings will be,” said John Whitley, president of the National Travel Basketball Association. “This is truly a great way to meet new destinations and facilities as an event operator.”
Connect Sports Virtual attracted participants from 36 U.S. states as well as Puerto Rico and Canada. Sporting event organizers and sports planners made up the majority of attendees at 51 percent, while 39 percent were from CVBs and sports commissions, 5 percent were hotels and resorts, and 4 percent were facilities and venues.
To learn more about Connect Sports Virtual, go here.
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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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