Shoflo Scoops Up International Technology Innovation Award at IBTM
January 5, 2017
The 2016 ibtm world conference in Barcelona, Spain, was a good place to be for Orlando-based event software company, Shoflo, which walked away with the event’s coveted Technology and Innovation Watch Award for its event production software.
Presented in partnership with EventMB, and regarded as the most significant technology award for the meetings industry, the annual ibtm award recognizes innovators and talented entrepreneurs poised to revolutionize the meetings and events sector.
“It’s an absolute honor to receive this award from ibtm world and EventMB,” said Stephen Bowles, founder & CEO of Shoflo. “Shoflo is more than just a new software widget, we are changing the behavior of an entire industry for the better.”
He continued, “To win this prestigious global award at ibtm is such an encouragement and validation for my team, and the industry as whole.”
As a software platform designed specifically for event planners and production teams who have grown frustrated with spreadsheet-based, Excel-style printed workflows, Shoflo allows event teams to create and collaborate on show rundowns and schedules, and share documents in real time on any device. All edits save instantly and are seen by everyone immediately, keeping team members in constant sync.
Besides offering industry-specific features including custom column views and auto-tracking throughout the show, the easy-to-use digital platform also helps meeting planners and their clients achieve green initiatives by taking away the need to print production documents onsite. As a result, Shoflo also helps events save on paper and toner expenses.
Shoflo is used by events around the globe, ranging from large corporate conferences to small meetings, including events produced by creative agencies including Drury Design Dynamics and KBOgroup; sports teams such as the Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Rams, and by production teams for Walmart, TEDx, Mary Kay and Church On The Move.
Established in 2000, the ibtm world Technology and Innovation Watch Award is the longest running of its kind and widely regarded as the most significant technology award for the meetings industry. The award is judged by a panel of international industry professionals in search of the next market-changing innovation that could revolutionize the meetings and events sector. Entries are scored based on innovation, completeness of concept and value to the meetings industry.
Winners are not only given the opportunity to showcase their technology and innovations within the ibtm world Innovation Zone, but also receive exposure to thousands of international industry attendees and the international media during and after the event. The 2016 international competition attracted a record level of entries, with many first-time competitors from Hong Kong, India, Tanzania, Turkey, Finland, Norway and Romania.
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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