HSMAI's MEET Series Heads to Anaheim May 29-30
May 14, 2013
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) will continue its HSMAI’s MEET series with the second event this year May 29-30 at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel.
The first show of the year was HSMAI’s MEET Mid-America show in Chicago.
To help set the stage in Anaheim, keynote speaker, Jim Davidson, will speak on the power of partnership and divulge advice from his experience as a corporate manager, high-altitude climber and resilience expert.
“His stories are inspiring, and he makes them applicable to partnership and business challenges faced by HSMAI’s MEET attendees,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI.
He added, “We’re pleased to have him on board throughout the series, and we look forward to seeing the impact he’ll make on attendees at both HSMAI’s MEET West this month and HSMAI’s MEET National in September.”
HSMAI’s MEET West marks the second time the series has come to Anaheim since the debut of the show’s revamped format at the 2011 National event in Washington, D.C.
HSMAI’s MEET, which stands for Meetings, Events, Education and Technology, has several opportunities in store:
- HSMAI’s TEEM Up: A role reversal expo of exhibitors and planners where they can maximize their time for up to 10 one-on-one appointments requested by the pre-qualified and hosted meeting professionals
- HSMAI’s Attendee Concierge: A convenient service helping attendees pre-schedule one-on-one appointments during regular tradeshow hours
- HSMAI’s Exhibitor Concierge: A HSMAI staff sales professional solely devoted to aiding suppliers in making advantageous business connections and maximizing their return on participation
- HSMAI’s MEET University: Industry specialists’ insights geared toward planners and exhibitors through an interactive, hands-on educational platform.
For the second year in a row, Meetings Professionals International, as part of its partnership with HSMAI, will provide edifying content for planners attending HSMAI’s MEET West, which is free to attend for qualified planners.
Meetings, events and hospitality professionals will receive training, professional development and marketplace opportunities to help advance them in their career paths.
“The education sessions are cutting-edge,” said 20-year veteran planner Teri Terrazino, CMP, of HSMAI’s Mid-America show, which included more than 300 appointments between planners and partners. “I make it a priority to block my calendar every year for the two full days of HSMAI’s MEET.”
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