Radical PowerPoints and French Cuisine Highlight IACC’s Americas Connect 2019
April 17, 2019
Toronto’s Vantage Venues and The Globe and Mail Centre played host to the 38th edition of IACC’s Americas Connect conference April 10-11, which brought in 230 delegates.
The theme of this year’s event was “Radical Innovation —Change Everything!” and as such, the education and networking opportunities took a new form. For example, organizers banned speakers from having PowerPoint slides with more than one word. In his address, Keynote Pablos Holman, a former computer hacker turned inventor, encouraged attendees to be disruptors of the events industry..
“We vowed to be different, and I believe that is something we achieved,” said Mark Cooper, CEO of IACC.
Regarding the PowerPoint change, Cooper says delegates were more attentive to the presenter without furiously trying to take notes or capture photos of the slides. “They just sat, listened and engaged,” he says.
The effect of these changes was also felt during networking breaks, which were “full of chatter,” according to Cooper, as delegates discussed and debated what they’d learned during sessions.
“If you want your delegates to remember the event for its educational sessions and not just the food,” he advises, “then this is a step in the right direction.”
That’s not to say food wasn’t a hot topic at IACC Americas. Its famous Global Copper Skillet competition, which took place on the second day of the conference, had finalists from the Americas, Europe and Australia competing for the championship. In the end, Sebastian Layen (an executive chef with Benchmark Hospitality) took home the title for his French-inspired crusted-beef medallion with fig and maple syrup gastrique; and roasted fig, artichoke and root vegetable barigoule (say that five times fast!).
In addition, attendees enjoyed a mystery culinary tour around the city of Toronto, where they visited three different venues to get a taste of unique twists on F&B.
Another new element at this year’s conference was directly involving the university student communities, inviting students from Ryerson University and Seneca College to gain experience and network with industry professionals.
“We wanted delegates to walk away from this year’s event inspired and excited to share what they’ve learned with their wider teams,” says Cooper. Mission accomplished.
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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