3rd Annual IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum on Tap in April
March 3, 2015
For the third year, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events will host its Women’s Leadership Forum April 8 in Washington, D.C.
“The Women’s Leadership Forum is a key initiative for IAEE,” said Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, executive vice president and COO.
She added, “We host this annual program for the main purpose of providing a place where women in the exhibition industry can come together to discuss topics and create a support group both professionally and personally.”
This year’s program will be facilitated by Valorie Burton, who is a bestselling author, speaker, and life coach dedicated to helping people get unstuck and be unstoppable in every area of life.
She is the founder of The Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute and has served as a Certified Personal and Executive Coach to hundreds of clients in over 40 states and 10 countries.
Other speakers include Breden; Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group; Karen M. Gonzales, senior vice president of Membership & Operations of DMAI; Capricia Penavic Marshall, who serves as Ambassador-in-Residence at the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic Council; Casandra Matej, executive director of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau; Claire Shipman, a regular contributor to Good Morning America; and Megan Tanel, vice president of Exhibitions & Events for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the 2015 chairperson of IAEE.
In addition to the sessions, someone will be honored with the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award that recognizes a woman who has led the way in the advancement of women in the exhibitions and events industry, exhibited outstanding leadership and made significant contributions to the industry and her community.
Nominations have been extended until March 6 and can be submitted HERE.
For more information or to register for the IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum click HERE.
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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