MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2016 Welcomes Attendees from 130 Countries to Las Vegas
September 29, 2016
By Elizabeth Johnson
This week, the world’s largest mining equipment, products and services exhibition was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Sponsored by the National Mining Association (NMA), MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2016 covered more than 840,000 net square feet, showcasing the latest mining equipment and technology from 1,900-plus exhibitors around the world.
Held every four years, MINExpo this year welcomed more than 44,000 attendees from 130 countries to the event. Several well-known figures including Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and Indy 500 Champion Helio Castroneves, who stopped by to chat with attendees at the Shell booth, made appearances at the Las Vegas Convention Center throughout the event.
As an international show, MINExpo works closely with the U.S. Commercial Service, and this year it welcomed delegations from 31 countries.
“This was a record number of international delegations for MINExpo,” said Moya Phelleps, senior vice president of member services at NMA.
The opening session, moderated by Nina Easton, Fox News analyst and chair of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women International, featured top mining executives discussing the global outlook for mining equipment, coal and minerals production and the public policy environment for mining.
But, perhaps the most unexpected event took place on Tuesday evening when two employees from Komatsu were married atop one of the company’s huge mining trucks in the Exhibit Hall.
“As far as we know, this is the first wedding to take place on the MINExpo floor,” said Ashley Hurst, manager, meetings and member services at NMA.
MINExpo 2016 featured a few new operational changes. It eliminated traditional industry publication bins and replaced them with signs that allowed attendees to subscribe via QR Code in order to reduce paper on site. Additionally, its photography team used drones to create dynamic videos of the Exhibit Hall that were released on its website and social media channels.
Given both the overall size of the show and sheer physical enormity of many of the exhibits, MINExpo is set up and dismantled over several weeks and takes years of planning and coordination with the city of Las Vegas and others. NMA partners with a number of industry suppliers to produce MINExpo including Frost Miller, GES, Hall Erickson Inc. and Oscar Einzig, who work diligently for years to make the show successful.
The next MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® will take place Sept. 28-30, 2020, in Las Vegas.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment