Inaugural WTM Connect Asia Features 50 Exhibitors

June 7, 2016

The inaugural edition of WTM Connect Asia was held from 18th to 20th May 2016 at Straits Quay Convention Centre in Penang, Malaysia, and featured 50 exhibitors and more than 70 hosted buyers from 25 countries.

Organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, WTM Connect Asia also received support from the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) and Penang Global Tourism. More than 1,800 meetings were held on 19th and 20th May between hosted buyers and suppliers.

Charlie Cracknell, Senior Exhibition Director for Reed Travel Exhibitions commented, “We have been delighted with the feedback from both exhibitors and buyers alike who report highly productive and quality business meetings providing real ROI. The event has been enhanced further from exceptional service from our hosts and partners. Attendees have been wowed by a variety of cultural experiences, beautiful hotels, delicious food and breath-taking scenery. WTM Connect Asia has brought together leisure travel buyers and sellers in a truly unique setting.”

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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.