A Rising Tide ﾅ Lifts All Tradeshows
July 20, 2013
There is a very interesting tidal shift in the U.S tradeshow industry. It’s a well sailed ocean in Europe, but a new current here.
What’s the big splash? Cities investing in tradeshows. I am not talking about wooing shows to the city. I am talking about money on the table types of partnerships.
As we all know, the German Messe’s have long owned and operated tradeshows on behalf their cities. In addition, they have branched out all over the world with excellent results. Messe Deusseldorf alone has events in 13 OTHER countries (now including the U.S.) than Germany, and many of their shows IN Germany are the largest in the world in their industry. Most impressive.
If you have read this far you hopefully noticed the parenthetical above “now including the U.S.” Yep, Messe Duesseldorf North America (MDNA) is running shows in Houston and San Jose. In Houston, where MDNA will floor Medical World Americas, the city has made an investment in the show. Messe Deusseldorf knows about medical shows, hosting MEDICA the world’s largest annual medical show, with 4,500 exhibitors and 130,000 attendees.
Houston knows about medicine, as home to the Texas Medical Center (the world’s largest such organization) and its 92,000 employees and 52 partner institutions, which include the world renown University of Texas MD Anderson, Texas Heart Institute and Baylor College. Makes perfect sense. The show supports the medical community in the city and the city and the medical community support the show.
Houston also partnered in a similar fashion with VP International to bring the Total Energy USA show to the city. Energy. Oil. Houston. Makes sense.
New Orleans is doing it also. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center dipped their toes into the show ownership pool when it partnered with Imago Productions for the launch the International Disaster Conference & Exposition. Sadly, New Orleans knows a little bit about disasters. But hey, capitalize on what you do well. No arguments there.
I applaud these cities and show organizers for diving in. This model works and it’s a brilliant opportunity for the business here in between the two oceans. I wish you happy sailing.
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.
Add new comment