Tom Merrill
Tom Merrill, GES' VP Business Developmen,t has worked with GES for over 25 years and is responsible for building account teams for complex multi-divisional clients.
Travel Smarter, Not Harder: 5 Ways to Travel Better in 2013
March 9, 2013
I was reading an interesting article in the New York Times this week about resolutions falling by the wayside. A quote about what resolutions should do grabbed my attention, “They can inspire you and help you keep the bigger picture in mind.” 2013 will be a year of empowering my career and personal life and completing the goals that I set for myself. On the lighter side of New Year’s resolutions I’ve decided to take some of the hassle out of travel.
In our business, travel is a prerequisite and never seems to end. I always think about ways to lessen the stress and travel smarter, but never quite get around to doing it. Here are a few things that are on my 2013 “Travel” resolutions list:
1. Clean out my briefcase or backpack - You will be surprised how much junk you are carrying around; loose change, papers, outdated electronics, show badges, name tags, logo pins, to many business cards. It all adds up. I plan to check regularly to ensure I only have what I need.
2. Pack Smart - I pride myself in being able to take a single carry-on anywhere in the world, however, on every trip there are items that I never use. I’ll think smart about mix and match and won’t take something just to “have a choice.” I’ll also be realistic about working out. If I’m not likely to have time for a workout, I won’t pack my gear.
3. Get A Luggage Identifier - No, not the standard black Admirals Club tag. Every bag on the conveyor is black and most have the tag to match. I’m getting a red nylon band and wrapping it around the handle. You may want to check out some of these ideas. It just makes it easier to spot your bag and less to think about while juggling a rental car and conference call at the same time.
4. Make and Keep a Travel List - If you travel a lot, you should have an ingrained sense of what to bring on trips and you shouldn’t ever forget key items like socks, jewelry, collar stays or the tie. For me, I know this isn’t usually true. I always forget at least one important thing when I travel, and end up scrambling to make do. I resolve to create a list of things to bring on every trip, and post it in my closet. It takes the thinking out of the process and allows more time to mentally rehearse for my meeting.
5. Take Good Photos - When I first started my career, travel was a novelty and I always made time to take photos, business and personal. I’ve been lax on both fronts, so I plan to get with the program. It couldn’t be easier these days with our smart phones. There is nothing better than photos when you are communicating to your design and production teams, not to mention great keepsakes of your travels.
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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