Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo Up in All Metrics at Atlanta Show
March 16, 2012
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo (HPBExpo) 2012, which was held March 1-3 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, was up in not only total attendance and buyers but also number of exhibiting companies and new special events, compared with last year’s show.
Total registration was 14 percent higher, the number of exhibiting companies increased 10 percent and the number of net square feet of exhibits was up five percent, compared with the 2011 show held in Salt Lake City.
“Atlanta is a great location for the HPBExpo,” said Jack Goldman, president & CEO of the HPBA and the management of the HPBExpo.
He added, “We have had some of our best shows there and this year’s show brought excitement and energy to our industries.
Also for the first time at the 2012 event, was the Outdoor Burn exhibit area that hosted the inaugural Tailgate and Celebrity Chef Cook-off, as well as the outdoor New Product Pavilion.
The Tailgate and Celebrity Chef Cook-off were sponsored by Big Green Egg, manufacturers of kamado-style smoker grills.
The cook-off featured five chefs from local Atlanta restaurants who cooked on the egg-shaped smokers. The event was emceed by barbecue guru Ted Reader, who provided commentary and interviews throughout the cook-off and announced the winning chef from Serpas Restaurant.
The outdoor exhibit area, where fireplaces and stoves can burn gas, wood or wood pellets and grills and smokers are in operation, also featured a demonstration area for new products coming into the market.
The indoor exhibition featured hundreds of new products throughout the halls and several natural gas-burning fireplaces and stoves in traditional and new contemporary styles.
The barbecue industry’s line of grilling and smoking accessories, including tools, gauges and spices, continues to grow, according to HPBA show officials.
The HPBExpo is the annual trade show for the fireplace and outdoor cooking and living industries that attracts exhibitors from North America and overseas.
The attendees to the show primarily are North American retailers of the products. Next year’s show will be held March 13-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
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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