Expos, Meetings and Conventions Need New Resources

As event professionals and destinations adjust, adapt and evolve in these uncharted waters, it is imperative that substantial resources be put in place for all of the people responsible for planning and executing trade shows, expositions and conventions. An example is Mohegan Sun, which built an industry-leading, COVID-19 Resource Center with a combination of pictures from recently held successful events (the property reopened on May 1, 2020) along with several widely available and informative documents, such as an evolving operational framework:

https://mohegansun.com/content/dam/mohegansun/PDF/meetings/MoheganSun_Meetings-OperationsFramework.pdf

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Understanding the Safety Resources You Need

The backbone of any trade show or meeting-specific safety protocol is the overall safety plan. https://mohegansun.com/content/dam/mohegansun/PDF/Misc/MSCT-safety-operational-plan.pdf

Convention centers, resorts and hotels are incredibly expansive; so, the logistics of closing and reopening effectively are a major undertaking with myriad considerations. In the case of a Tribal Nation, by being located on a reservation, the resort has access to the resources of the Tribal Government, which includes an established health department. Here, the knowledge and guidance of the health department, which has worked in conjunction with state and federal health organizations throughout its history, are the foundation in establishing safety guidelines and protocols.

The Power of Partnerships

Mohegan Sun’s 10,000-seat Arena regularly hosts global acts, from Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z to Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews Band, not to mention various professional and college sporting events. This high-profile venue pivoted at the height of the pandemic to leverage existing relationships with sports partners in order to operate bubble residencies for both Bellator MMA and SHOWTIME Boxing for each promoter’s string of nationally televised fights. The original time frame of the residency was mid-July through late September 2020.

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The ViacomCBS team was so pleased with the facility’s safety protocols that they extended the residency into 2021. The successful execution of these residencies allowed Mohegan Sun to attract incredible opportunities in both entertainment and meetings and conventions capacities, and it has also allowed the resort a platform in which to boost its public relations and marketing messaging by informing audiences of these successes.

The key is to be flexible and to adapt when forces largely out of our control are presented.

Partner Voices

HERE, EVENTS HELP YOUR COMPANY AND THE COMMUNITY

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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