PSAV MeetSAFE Guidelines Complement GBAC STAR Accreditation for Event Facilities
May 28, 2020
Earlier this month, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council announced the GBAC STAR facility accreditation, which establishes protocols, procedures and systems for event facilities like convention centers to help control risk associated with infectious agents, such as COVID-19. Complementing that accreditation is a new set of guidelines from event experience company PSAV that is designed to be part of a system to help event venues adapt to the changing landscape for meetings and events.
MeetSAFE, announced earlier this month, is a set of tools focused on redesigning events to deliver on the strategic goals of meetings and events while defining new guidelines to minimize risk and promote health. Being able to convene safely will be the first priority of all planning activities going forward, as the ability to conduct in-person meetings will be dependent on making people feel safe in any setting, according to PSAV officials.
“Our industry has more to consider when planning live events in the future,” said Ben Erwin, president of PSAV. “While there has been an explosion of virtual events due to today’s environment, we know there will be a time when both hybrid and fully live meetings will return.”
He continued, “People feel a strong desire for face-to-face interactions, so we wanted to be proactive and offer guidance on how they can ensure important live meetings and events are productive, but also safe at the same time.”
These new MeetSAFE guidelines cover four key areas: event design, room layout and traffic flow, technology enhancements and cleaning guidelines. With input from venue partners, event planners and leading industry associations, the new guidelines include meeting formats, technology tools and other recommendations that outline paths around how the event industry could re-open during the early phases of recovery.
Events Industry Council has applauded PSAV for its efforts in launching MeetSAFE. “We are encouraged and inspired by the work we are seeing in all segments and regions to address today’s challenge and adapt for the future,” said Amy Calvert, EIC’s CEO.
Additionally, EIC’s APEX COVID-19 Business Recovery Task Force is focused on curating and sharing accepted practices across the global events ecosystem. Calvert says the organization will include MeetSAFE’s tool in that work.
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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