Sodexo Live! Debuts AiFi Autonomous Store at Two Convention Centers

February 17, 2023

Sodexo Live! is stepping up its innovative new tech offerings with the addition of autonomous store technology by AiFi, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) and shopping solutions provider, at two ASM Global-managed venues in Salt Lake County, Utah: Salt Palace Convention Center and Mountain America Expo Center.

Designed to streamline throughput and ensure a more seamless experience for attendees of trade shows, conventions, meetings and other events, the store has opened as Salt Shaker Grab-and-Go at Salt Palace Convention Center, marking AiFi’s debut in a convention center setting, and Storm Mountain Provisions at Mountain America Expo Center.

The concept utilizes AiFi's AI-powered camera and computer vision technology, allowing shoppers to enter the store, make their selections and enjoy a check-free experience as they walk out without having to wait in any lines.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Sodexo Live! — a proven leader in the convention center industry — to debut and expand our technology to this category of live events,” said Joe Jorczak, head of global revenue, AiFi. “We’re confident that event-goers will love the combination of getting lightning-fast service without sacrificing quality food and beverage options.”

The next-generation store offers pastries, sandwiches, soups, coffee and other quick-serve items created by Sodexo Live!’s culinary team. During busy conventions and other events hosting thousands of people, AiFi offers on-the-go attendees a way to access delicious food and beverage without slowing down.

“We always strive to bring new technology to our venues to improve the guest experience,” said Greg Fender, executive vice president, Sodexo Live! North America. “By ushering AiFi into the meetings and conventions world, we’re putting our attendees first by expanding their payment options and giving them new ways to experience and enjoy their time with us.” 

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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.    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.