AIBTM Attendees Will Have Opportunity to Play in Innovation Zone

May 17, 2014

Meeting planners who will be heading to Orlando in June for Reed Travel Exhibitions’ Americas Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition will have the chance to take advantage of the event’s Innovation Zone.

The zone, managed by The Meeting Pool, will be a place for attendees to learn about and gain experience about the latest technologies impacting the industry.

“The Innovation Zone is a popular draw for AIBTM and a perfect illustration of our commitment to provide members with the tools and education necessary to advance their careers,” said Michael Lyons, exhibition director for AIBTM.

He added, “The Innovation Zone offers innovative, unique offerings and opportunities that together will enhance the attendees’ professional knowledge.”

The zone will be divided into four areas: the Innovation Spotlight Stage, brought to you by etouches, which will offer a series of peer-run presentations covering social media, mobile application software, crowdsourcing and attendee engagement; TechCollective, a “pod-based” exhibit area packed with start-up technologies; EnergyXChange, a central meeting space that will also include stylish high-quality furniture brought to you by Totally Mod; and TechBar, staffed by The Meeting Pool and GenieConnect, (serving as the “mobile app genius”), featuring a one-on-one Genius Hub to allow attendees to brainstorm with a genius for advice and ask questions about AIBTM’s mobile app.

More than 20 complimentary sessions make up the education lineup in the Innovation Zone. Here are a few:

·      12 Ways to a Great User Experience: Put yourself in the position of attendees and learn how to avoid that one bad experience that can color an entire event.

·      Unlock Your Event Data: The Smart Path to Enlightened Event Intelligence: How data can help you pick the right people and right place to create the right event.

·      Hot Tech for Meeting Design: This is an interactive primer on using tablets, smartphones and laptops to enhance session design.

·      Open TECHBar: Here is where you can experience the latest technology and get the upper hand on how to use it.

·      Surf the Content Marketing Wave: Learn to stand apart from the volume of material on the Internet and master content curation.

·      Meeting Planning Automation: Put technology in perspective without getting left behind.

·      Leveraging Mobile for Better, Greener & More Profitable Events: Using mobile has a number of advantages—for the user and the environment.

A full look at the education schedule in the Innovation Zone can be found here.

“AIBTM has made a point of introducing its customer base to new and emerging technologies that, sooner rather than later, will have a profound influence on the way meeting professionals globally will conduct business,” said Dahlia El Gazzar, founder and CEO of The Meeting Pool. “We are pleased to be part of a forward-thinking show.”

 AIBTM takes place June 10-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

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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.