Is Our Exhibition Workforce Ready for the Future? Join #Expochat Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. ET!
September 27, 2019
Technology, diversity, the economy and customer expectations (among other factors) are pushing members of the trade show industry to be more proficient, creative and open-minded than in the past.
Join our next #Expochat on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. ET, when moderator Michelle Bruno will help us explore what workers in the exhibition industry need to know and how the industry can build a future-proof workforce.
Here are some questions we’ll be addressing:
1. What are the biggest issues impacting exhibition industry workers today?
2. What do exhibition workers need to know today that they didn’t need to know yesterday?
3. Where are workers getting the training, education and mentorship they need to do their jobs now?
4. What additional training, education or non-traditional knowledge-gathering opportunities do workers need?
5. How do freelancers, consultants and contract workers fit into the preparedness gap?
6. What should an apprenticeship program for exhibition organizers look like?
7. How are organizations incentivizing and motivating workers to future-proof themselves?
8. How are exhibition workers preparing themselves for the future?
9. How can diversity (of any kind) help exhibition-industry workers?
10. What should be the role of industry associations in building a future-proof workforce?
What is #Expochat?
Expochat is a Twitter-based conversation on topics related to the trade show industry. It takes place most Wednesdays at 1 p.m. ET and tackles a single topic each week – a recurring pain point, innovative ideas, evolution of the industry, best practices and more.
Expochat is alternately moderated by industry thought leaders: Stephanie Selesnick (International Trade Information, Inc.), Michael Doane (CadmiumCD), Elizabeth Johnson (Glee Content Marketing) and Marlys K. Arnold (ImageSpecialist).
The discussion is a fast-paced 60 minutes, during which participants may ask questions of the group on any topic. To participate, sign up on Twitter and follow the #Expochat hashtag at the appointed time. Questions will be identified as Q1, Q2, etc. Responses from participants should be written as A1, A2, etc. Tools such as TweetDeck, Hootsuite and others can make it easier to participate. Ideas are welcome on Expochat (but commercialism is not).
Why attend this free Twitter chat?
· It’s free education – and doesn’t everyone need a little schooling?
· It will help you will expand your network while learning from your peers.
· It’s a fun, engaging and insightful conversation with your community.
Come to the chat with questions about anything trade show related. We will use our community to address your issues or maybe even hook you up with some help!
Trade Show News Network, the leading online exhibition industry news resource, sponsors the chat, and topics are listed in advance on TSNN. Reminders will be tweeted out prior to each week’s discussion, but if you miss a chat, archived transcripts are available on TSNN. We gladly accept requests for topics, too: Simply reach out to Arlene Shows, marketing director, by emailing her at ashows@tarsusus.com.
#Expochat works because the community supports it. Join us for the best live conversations about the industry that signs your paycheck. Rants welcome!
Missed #Expochat? No problem! View past chats and stay informed here!
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
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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