IAEE Holds Sold Out Women’s Leadership Forum
April 11, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events held a sold out Women's Leadership Forum April 8 at the Washington Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.
More than 150 attendees sold out this year's event which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career.
"We understood the need for this type of program when we created it in 2013," said IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. "Nonetheless, the feedback we are receiving from attendees is really amazing, and we are very satisfied with the direction this program has taken."
Here are highlights from this year's event:
· Leadership Facilitator Valorie Burton, who is a bestselling author, speaker and life coach, addressed resiliency and finding that happy balance and place in life with a morning and afternoon session.
· Claire Shipman, who is a regular contributor to "Good Morning America" and other national broadcasts for ABC News, spoke to attendees on confidence and what that means in today's world.
· During lunch, the 2015 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award was presented to Karen Chupka, Senior Vice President, International CES and Corporate Business Strategy for the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®. Lunch attendees were treated to an interview facilitated by Karen Gonzales, CMP, Senior Vice President of Membership & Operations of DMAI, with Capricia Penavic Marshall, who serves as Ambassador-in-Residence at the Adrienne Arsht Latin American Center at the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C.
· The day ended with a power panel moderated by IAEE EVP & COO Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP and panelists Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group; Casandra Matej, Executive Director, San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Megan Tanel, CEM, Vice President of Exhibitions & Events, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The panel covered several topics including how to achieve a healthy work/life balance, career advice and how to achieve all your goals.
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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