Inaugural TSNN Awards $5,000 Student Scholarship Awarded to Univ. of Central Fla.'s Taylor Dudley
October 2, 2013
Trade Show News Network is pleased to announce the inaugural 2013 TSNN Awards $5,000 Student Scholarship awardee is Taylor Dudley, a student pursuing event management at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality.
The scholarship is sponsored by the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (Reno Tahoe USA), and Dudley will receive the funds during the celebration gala dinner at the 4th Annual TSNN Awards Nov. 1-3 in Reno, Nev.
Dudley topped several worthy candidates who applied from schools with trade show-specific programs.
“I am honored to receive this inaugural award and get the opportunity to meet top industry executives in Reno for the TSNN Awards,” Dudley said.
She added, “This is a huge stepping stone into my future in the trade show industry, and I could not be more ecstatic!"
Dudley already is on her way to working in the trade show industry with a position at the Orange County Convention Center since May as an event sales and marketing intern.
Rodney Gutierrez, OCCC’s senior director of sales, event management and Exhibitor Services, wrote Dudley a glowing recommendation letter calling her a “rising star what will make a critical impact in the industry.”
Besides her work at the OCCC, Dudley also is involved with the Burnett Honors College and the LEAD Scholars program, as well as serving as director of Mr. & Miss UCF with the Campus Activities Board.
In addition, she has worked in finance at Universal Studios Orlando and as a Service Express Agent at the Westin Imagine Orlando.
After graduation, Dudley said in her essay that she wants to work either with a show management company or general service contractor.
The Reno-Sparks CVA has committed to sponsoring the TSNN Awards $5,000 scholarship through 2015.
“The Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority is proud and honored to team up with Tradeshow News Network to create and sponsor the inaugural TSNN college scholarship fund,” said John Lienen, RSCVA’s vice president of convention and tourism sales.
He added, “Investing in our future industry leaders is one of our core values, which provides our brand the opportunity to make a positive impact in the Tradeshow industry. We were thrilled to see how many excellent candidates applied for the scholarship and are encouraged with the upcoming talent that will be soon entering the industry.”
Next year’s scholarship application process will open in early May.
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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