SMG Tapped to Manage, Run North American Sales for New Massive Shenzhen, China-based Venue

October 14, 2017

Convention and entertainment venue management SMG unveiled at a press conference during IMEX America this week in Las Vegas that they will launch North American sales for the Shenzhen (China) World Exhibition & Convention Center.

The company was selected to manage the new venue, which will become one of the largest exhibition and convention centers in the world.

Besides announcing the sales and management news, SMG also is celebrating its 4oth Anniversary this year.

“I couldn’t be more excited about celebrating with Shenzhen,” said Gregg Caren, SMG’s executive vice president of convention and exhibition centers.

Shenzhen World joins SMG’s network of landmark venues, including Moscone Center in San Francisco, McCormick Place in Chicago and Enercare Centre in Toronto.

The expansion into China is a significant achievement in SMG’s 40-year history.

“This new venture in Shenzhen is a great way to celebrate our 40th anniversary,” Caren said. “We look forward to further international growth and success that reflects the unique combination of resources, relationships and expertise we have developed throughout our history.”

With Shenzhen World, SMG plants a major flag in China’s growing trade show market. The design of the venue calls for 4.3 million square feet of exhibition space and another 500,000 square feet of flexible convention and meeting space in Phase 1.

An additional 1 million square feet of exhibition space will be built in Phase 2. Shenzhen World will be about twice the size of McCormick Place, the largest exhibition and meeting facility in North America.

Located in China’s “Silicon Valley” with easy access to Hong Kong and Macao, the fast-track project is under construction with 30,000 workers on-site.

The first phase is targeted for completion in 2019.

“We are excited to work with SMG to build Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center into a global venue benchmark,” said Sun Chengming, chairman of China Merchants Shekou Holdings (CMSK), the project’s co-developer along with OCT Group. Shenzhen World joins SMG’s global network of more than 75 convention, exhibition and conference centers that each year host more than 30 million people.

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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.