Source Direct and NY NOW Join Forces in 2017
September 9, 2016
SOURCE DIRECT, an import/export trade show group in the U.S., will be expanding to New York by partnering with NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift.
The expansion will launch Feb. 5-8, 2017, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.
SOURCE DIRECT at NY NOW will connect brands and product development executives in the home textile, accents, furnishings, home décor and gift products market seeking to purchase merchandise or find new overseas manufacturers or suppliers right here in New York City.
“SOURCE DIRECT has tripled in size in the past three years and has generated a great deal of interest from manufacturers and retailers alike,” said Karalynn Sprouse, executive vice president of Merchandise, Manufacturing & International Sourcing for Emerald Expositions.
She added, “It shows us that U.S. buyers, importers and distributors value the ability to shop multiple countries in well laid out, comprehensive locations - and since many East coast buyers don’t often get the chance to head West, we are taking the show to them.”
With advancements in technology and the effects of globalization impacting the supply chain more than ever before, Source Direct at NY NOW serves a meeting point for brands, wholesalers and retailers to connect with manufacturers to foster growth through first-hand product discovery and one-to-one conversations that help them weather fluctuations in the marketplace.
This partnership model has been successful on the West coast at other Emerald Expositions events, according to company officials.
With New York being a key location to the international market, the partnership with NY NOW is a natural extension, they added.
The new installation will launch with 165 exhibitors featuring key sourcing regions such as Turkey, Latin America, South East Asia, India, China, Korea, Taiwan, Pakistan and more.
“When Emerald launched the SOURCE DIRECT brand in August of 2013 at the company’s largest event, ASD Market Week, we anticipated that it would take some time to gain traction,” said Chris McCabe, EVP, Gift Home & Stationary.
He added, “To see this type of expansion in less than three years exceeded our expectations, and we’re looking at this unprecedented growth as confirmation that we’re providing a much-needed service to both buyers and exhibitors. Having the same team bring the successful brand as a partnership with NY NOW is a natural extension for both brands.”
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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