Event Industry Leaders Collaborate to Establish Common Exhibitor Data Standards
January 23, 2020
Leaders from industry companies including CadmiumCD, EXPOCAD, Freeman, GES, Map Your Show and Personify A2Z Events are coming together to create a solution to a major problem in the industry: jumbled exhibitor data. This effort of designing common exhibitor data standards is expected to help streamline operations as well as improve the customer experience.
In the past, events providers each had their own practices for managing exhibitor data — and because there wasn’t a standard for providing the data, it created pain points and was inefficient for all involved, explains Rick Britton, GES chief information officer.
“Approximately a year ago, GES and Freeman began working on standards for the way exhibitor data is provided,” says Britton. “For most shows, the data is currently shared in Excel spreadsheets and manually managed for updates and changes. With the new Exhibitor Data Standards, we are able to automate the process and improve the experience for show organizers and companies using exhibitor data.”
This initiative will evolve as companies work together for the greater good of the industry. Data is central to proving the value of events, so these standards will elevate the sophistication of measurement for event organizers to better demonstrate ROI.
"The promotion of exhibitors and sponsors at an event is a critical source of revenue for many events,” said Michelle Wyatt, co-founder and CEO of CadmiumCD. “Being able to communicate that data exchange effectively by using these standards across a variety of platforms that attendees use as part of their experience is a requirement for any show to be effective in reaching their target audience."
Indeed, creating standards for exhibitor information will be a win for the entire industry, says Don Kline, CEO of Map Your Show. “This seemingly small step makes putting on events more efficient and allows all vendors to focus on what’s important — the actual event.”
To learn more about these standards and how to get involved, please contact Donald Bishop, Freeman sales engineer (Donald.Bishop@Freeman.com) or Robynn Coulter, senior systems analyst at GES (rcoulter@ges.com).
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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