Cleveland’s I-X Center Opens Doors to Outside Contractors for Trade Shows
February 3, 2018
For the past 30 years, the 9th largest convention center in the United States hasn’t permitted outside contractors, until now.
Cleveland, Ohio’s 2.2 million square foot I-X Center now will allow trade shows to utilize outside decorating providers specializing in exhibitor services and experience.
Since 1985, the I-X Center exclusively has provided on-site services, which covered all facets of decorator services for trade shows and large corporate events.
The new policy, effective immediately, provides new opportunities for the convention center and planners worldwide.
“After conversations with potential tradeshow partners and outside contractors, we felt this change in philosophy makes sense not only for our business, but also to allow clients to maintain existing relationships with their current service provider,” said Lisa Vo, I-X Center’s executive vice president.
She added, “Our goal is to offer an option in Cleveland to trade shows that previously wouldn’t consider the city.”
With this change in philosophy, the I-X Center still maintains its long-time reputation of outstanding customer service along with the ease and flexibility of a top 10 convention center.
Conveniently located adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the I-X Center offers 1 million square feet of exhibition and conference space, which includes 845,000 contiguous square feet on one level.
Surrounding the building are 30 truck doors, plus seven over-size drive-in doors for added convenience and 55’ to 77’ ceilings for easy move-in of oversized equipment.
“It is exciting to learn that the I-X Center will now be an open building,” said Richard L. Maples, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Shepard.
He added, “This philosophical change now gives exposition organizers another great option in the Midwest especially with the size of the I-X Center. We look forward to developing a great partnership with them in the near future.”
The I-X Center has hosted more than 1,500 events attracting 50 million visitors during the last 30+ years, including the Cleveland Auto Show, The Great Big Home and Garden Show and Ceramics Expo.
The convention center also self-produces five Signature Events annually including: I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama, I-X Christmas Connection, I-X Trick or Treat Street, I-X Indoor Amusement Park and I-X Get Fit, which provides them a unique decorating insight into making a show successful.
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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