Cvent Reveals Agenda for Its Annual User Conference With Blackstone’s Jennifer Morgan as Keynote
April 9, 2024
Cvent CONNECT, an annual user conference that drew 10,000 meetings, events and hospitality professionals in 2023, in-person and online, unveiled its full 2024 agenda and its first keynote speaker, Blackstone Global Head of Portfolio Operations Jennifer Morgan. As the co-CEO of SAP, she is the first female to lead a company on the DAX, a stock market index consisting of the 40 major German blue-chip companies trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Previously held in Las Vegas, the 2024 edition of Cvent CONNECT is moving to San Antonio for the first time and will be held June 10-13 at the Henry B. González Convention Center.
Related: CVENT CONNECT MOVES TO SAN ANTONIO IN 2024
Need to know: This year’s multi-day, hybrid conference will again offer both in-person and virtual experiences. The program features more than 75 sessions, interactive training sessions and curated roundtable discussions that focus on best practices and trends in event planning, marketing and hospitality. The full program can be found here.
Why it matters: As in previous years, Cvent CEO and Founder Reggie Aggarwal will kick off the event with a welcome and keynote followed by announcements of what’s new and next for the Cvent Event Marketing and Management Platform by Cvent’s product management team.
Big picture: On June 12, conference emcee Mark Jeffries will lead a fireside chat with Morgan, who oversees investments on a global scale for the private equity firm. Recognized by Fortune Magazine and Forbes' list as one of the Most Powerful Women in Business, Morgan will share her strategic vision, leadership principles and personal experience with leading through transition.
Where to make connections: The event offers ample networking opportunities, including breakfasts, lunches, breaks and receptions. The San Antonio-style opening reception will feature savory barbecue, live music and interactive activations, while a Texas-sized farewell event will pay homage to the rich tapestry of the Lone Star State. Attendees will experience the vibrant cultures from diverse regions with an evening filled with immersive activities, tastings and performances, and after the event, can saddle up for a Visit San Antonio-sponsored after-party that promises to keep the Texan spirit alive through the night.
How to stay fit: A group running and walking tour of the city will be hosted on the morning of June 12. Starting at the Henry B González Convention Center, a 3K walk and 5K run will feature guides who will share historical and cultural insights of the city.
What they are saying: “This year, we’ve expanded our in-depth educational sessions and networking opportunities, further enhancing the rich, engaging experience our attendees have come to expect,” said Cvent Chief Marketing Officer Patrick Smith. "We are particularly thrilled to have Jennifer Morgan…on our main stage. Her incredible leadership journey and multifaceted experience bring an invaluable perspective that will undoubtedly inspire our attendees.
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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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