SISO, Web Summit Collaborate to Provide Events Industry Thought Leadership
December 10, 2020
The Society of Independent Show Organizer recently collaborated not once, but twice, for its members in two valuable ways with Web Summit and its Founder and CEO Paddy Cosgrave.
In October, SISO Chair and Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie interviewed Cosgrave as part of SISO’s high-value webinar series.
The talk - "Is Virtual the new Emperor's clothes? - Lessons from taking a major event virtual” - focused on the transition of Web Summit – the mega-event for the tech industry that runs annually in Lisbon, Portugal – to a virtual event that ran Dec. 2-4.
As part of the virtual event, several SISO members spoke on panels specific to the events industry, as well as Web Summit gave complimentary passes to SISO members and other events industry professionals, totaling more than 800.
“Following up on the excellent interview between Douglas Emslie and Paddy Cosgrave, discussing the online expansion of the Web Summit and their other events, Douglas was invited to participate in an online session during this month’s Web Summit, and SISO Members were offered complimentary registrations to attend the online event,” said David Audrain, SISO executive director.
He added, “So Doug’s initial idea of interviewing Paddy for the SISO Webinar series expanded into a number of added-value benefits to SISO members and the industry!”
The Web Summit panels focused on "How We'll Meet in 2021" and "Getting Past the Crisis of Gatherings", which Emslie spoke on, as well as IMEX CEO Carina Bauer and JWC Partner Jochen Witt.
“SISO has been very excited to have been working with Paddy Cosgrave and the Web Summit,” Emslie said.
He added, “We have had exceptional feedback from our members on Paddy’s SISO webinar last month. The event talks and roundtables at the Web Summit last week have given our members unique insight as to how technology will continue to change our industry. The Web Summit is clearly the place where event professionals should go to see the future technology trends.”
Roundtables focused on getting 'back to normal', hybrid events, lessons from virtual and re-shaping the events industry.
The roundtables included trade show industry professionals from around the world in engaging chat sessions directly with the panelists.
Here are a few key takeaways from the panels and roundtables:
- What people want to see in the live world does not fit in the virtual world. It’s important to deliver business opportunities to clients online.
- Virtual attendees were forgiving with any hurdles with the online experience when the pandemic first hit, they won’t be as much now.
- Trade shows are back in Asia, but not in the U.S.
- Digital revenue streams have helped some shows bridge the gap to bring in something before live starts up again.
- Live events should consider having a ‘code of conduct’ for attendees around health and safety measures onsite.
To see the SISO Interview by Douglas Emslie with Paddy Cosgrave, click HERE.
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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