NPE Wraps Up Its Largest Show in History
May 22, 2018
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) recently concluded its largest NPE2018: The Plastics Show, known as the top plastics industry event in North America.
The triennial trade show and conference, which took place May 7-11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, attracted approximately 65,000 attendees and more than 2,180 exhibiting companies covering more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space.
In addition, more than 11,000 international attendees from 110 countries participated in the event.
At its 2015 edition, held March 23-27 at the OCCC, NPE boasted 65,810 attendees and 2,029 exhibitors spanning just more than 1.1 net sq. ft. of expo space.
With the theme of “We’ve got it covered,”NPE2018 drew in thousands of plastic industry professionals for five days of learning, networking and technological discovery, while showcasing emerging technologies and innovations that are shaping the future of plastics.
According to NPE officials, while the show exceeding expectations in metrics, strategic additions helped the event feel bigger and better than ever.
“We worked diligently to continue the tradition of innovation that NPE is known for with features like our 80,000 square foot Bottle Zone and our expanded education programming,” explained Susan Krys, PLASTICS vice president of trade shows and marketing, during the event.
She continued, “Over the past five days, we’ve been on the ground and hearing directly from the many members and attendees who we’ve worked with tirelessly to put on a show of this magnitude. Attendees have been really impressed with NPE this year.”
As attendees walked the show halls lined with large TV screens, they had a chance to view interviews on NPE Network with plastics professionals who make plastics safer, better and stronger, while the Show Daily included recaps of the machines, product launches and expansion announcements coming out of the show each day.
The event also included a local component through NPE’s new student day program, which engages high school students who might not otherwise have considered careers in plastics.
More than 125 students from Orange County Public Schools came to NPE to participate in the inaugural program that included a morning briefing with plastics industry executives followed by a tour of the NPE showfloor, according to show officials
On and off the trade show floor, there were new programming additions to attract broader end-market attendees.
New and expanded elements at NPE included 12 technology zones – five of which were new – and nine education programs, including a 3D Printing Workshop and an Agricultural Plastics Recycling Conference, as well as the collocation of the new PLASTICS-produced Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit and the Plastics Leadership Summit – educational events for sustainability and C-suite executives, respectively.
“We’ve intentionally designed programming for attendees who’ve expressed interest in expanded educational opportunities at NPE,” said William R. Carteaux, president and CEO of PLASTICS.
He continued, “We’ve created the Plastics Leadership Summit and co-located the annual Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit to bolster on-site learning. We also announced a 100 percent waste diversion goal to further our industry’s commitment to the environment.”
NPE: The Plastics Show will return to the OCCC May 17-21, 2021.
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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.
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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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