Fern Acquires Triumph Expo & Events, DWA Trade Show & Exposition Services
April 1, 2019
Cincinnati, Ohio-based event production services provider Fern has acquired Seattle-based Triumph Expo & Events and Portland-based DWA Trade Show & Exposition Services.
The two event services companies will both operate under the Fern brand, while the leadership from both organizations will be integrated into the existing Fern leadership team.
Not only will Fern’s move into the Pacific Northwest allow the company to serve this growing market for its existing customers more effectively, but also the acquisitions of Triumph and DWA represent a natural integration of shared philosophical values and approaches to customer service, according to Fern officials.
“Both Triumph and DWA are the preferred contractor in the markets they serve while also having a core customer base they serve across North America,” said Aaron Bludworth, CEO of Fern.
He added, “I have personally known the leadership of both Triumph and DWA for many years and have great respect for the values and culture they have instilled in their businesses. We are very excited to have the teams from both companies join the Fern family.”
With a focus on solution-oriented processes that assist their clients in realizing their goals, Triumph is a 20-year-old event services company that has grown and evolved from a small, local trade show contracting company to a full-service marketing partner boasting a national client base.
“As Triumph celebrates its 20thAnniversary, we are excited for this next chapter where we will be better able to meet the needs of our clients directly, regardless of location and with additional services,” said Christine Skrak, founder and owner of Triumph.
According to Dave White and Patti Beyer, owners of DWA, which has been serving the Northwest region for more than 40 years, being able to combine with Fern will allow DWA to provide greater opportunities for its employees while allowing the expansion of its client services.
To ensure a smooth and effective transition as Fern integrates Triumph and DWA into its company culture, all business and customer-facing aspects associated with event servicing and production will remain unchanged, according to Fern officials.
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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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