Connect THRIVE Summit to Focus on LGBTQ Travel, Sports and Entertainment
July 18, 2019
Connect Travel is gearing up to launch Connect THRIVE Summit, a global conference focused on community development through LGBTQ travel, sports and entertainment. Taking place Oct. 3-5 at Parc 55 hotel in San Francisco, the event is expected to attract more than 300 attendees, including representatives from destination marketing organizations; sports councils; sports planners; resorts and hotels; attractions; domestic and international tour operators and travel agents; sports rights holders; meeting planners; and media, marketers and brands.
According to Will Seccombe, president of Connect Travel, THRIVE will feature an array of dynamic general sessions and networking events. These will take place alongside a series of pre-scheduled, one-on-one appointments designed to help build relationships and establish new business partnerships between attendees.
“After many conversations with leaders in the LGBTQ travel and sports industry, it became clear there is a huge opportunity to help them connect with the people, products, services and ideas to grow their business and build their communities,” said Seccombe. “With that in mind, we have built the Connect THRIVE Summit.”
CNN’s Anderson Cooper will headline a group of keynote presentations from leaders in LGBTQ business, sports, marketing, entertainment and politics, also including Olympians Brian Boitano and Brooke Crain. There will also be a photoshoot opportunity with Cooper after his presentation, Seccombe said.
The event’s robust lineup of confirmed speakers also includes San Francisco Travel President and CEO Joe D’Alessandro, NYC & Co President and CEO Fred Dixon and Discover Puerto Rico CMO Leah Chandler. Representatives from the U.S. Travel Association, ITB Berlin, the U.S. Cultural and Heritage Marketing Council, the US Tour Operator Association, LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, and IGLTA and Equality Florida will also speak.
Hillary Schieve, chair of the United States Conference of Mayors Standing Committee on Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports, who is also the mayor of Reno, Nevada, will also be joining the conference.
THRIVE partnered with the IGLTA Foundation – the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association to inspire prospective attendees to register during the month of June in honor of Pride Month. For every registration, Connect donated $100 to the IGLTA, which supports initiatives for the tourism industry, its leaders and communities in areas of research, leadership and education to advance LGBTQ+ travel around the world.
According to Seccombe, Connect plans to run the promotion again in August.
“We firmly believe the Connect THRIVE Summit presents an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen our communities by building strong connections between leaders within the LGBTQ travel, sports and entertainment industry,” said Diversitas Media Managing Director DJ Doran, who has been advocating for and helping to promote the event.
To learn more or to register for Connect THRIVE Summit, 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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