Trade Show Industry Advocates Under Newly Formed Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance
February 14, 2021
The business events industry will be represented under a unified voice with the formation of the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA), an advocacy group that will champion the common interests of U.S. exhibitions and conferences with legislators.
This new coalition of eight industry associations will promote the impact of the sector, drive general industry awareness, initiate legislation on behalf of business events and work with partners globally as needed to maintain a favorable operating environment within the United States.
Existing advocacy initiatives, Go LIVE Together and Exhibitions Mean Business, will continue under ECA and carry out their respective mission - Go LIVE Together in advocating for federal COVID-19 recovery funding and Exhibitions Mean Business in promoting the value of face-to-face and the economic impact of exhibitions at the local, state and national levels.
Sue Sung, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Freeman will continue to serve as executive director of Go LIVE Together. ECA’s organizational structure also will allow for the development of new advocacy campaigns as specific needs arise in the future.
“Through lessons learned with Go LIVE Together, Exhibitions Mean Business and other efforts, we know that advocacy is an ongoing process, and not one that can be easily impacted by jumping in only when there is a crisis,” said David Audrain, executive director of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and co-president of ECA.
He added, “ECA will enable us to develop and maintain a long-term strategy to raise our industry’s profile among policymakers, ultimately helping to move us forward.”
The initial ECA board is comprised of:
· Cathy Breden, CEO, Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR)
· Melissa Cherry, COO, Destinations International
· Jim Wurm, Executive Director, Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association (EACA)
· Chris Griffin, CEO of Crew XP, representing Experiential Designers + Producers Association (EDPA)
· Bob Priest-Heck, CEO of Freeman, representing Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA)
· Megan Tanel, SVP of Association of Equipment Manufacturers, representing International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
· Clifford “Rip” Rippitoe, CEO of San Diego Convention Center, representing International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
· Douglas Emslie, CEO of Tarsus Group; Hervé Sedky, CEO of EmeraldX; Nancy Walsh, President, Americas of Informa Markets; and Yancy Weinrich CGO, Americas of Reed Exhibitions, representing Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO).
“We are grateful for the generous support of ECA’s alliance partners and their board representatives,” said David DuBois, president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and co-president of ECA.
He added, “We’re confident that combining our resources will strengthen our advocacy influence for exhibitions and conferences, effectively ensuring that our voices are heard, to generate positive outcomes for our industry on Capitol Hill as well as at the state and local level.”
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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