Abilities Expo Shatters Attendance Record in Los Angeles
March 24, 2013
5Net4 Prductions’ Abilities Expo saw a 27-percent spike in attendance at its March 15-17 show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, compared with the previous year’s show.
The show drew 7,323 attendees by its final day, with a total of 9,100 altogether, counting an approximate 25 percent who were non-registered children under the age of 18. The total attendance broke last year’s record.
“The energy was incredible,” said 5Net4 President and CEO David Korse.
He added, “We’re thrilled that so many from the community of people with disabilities were able to come and join us for the celebration. We hope to see everyone again when we come back on February 28-March 2, 2014.”
In its 34th year, Abilities Expo is part of a series of shows that focus on people with disabilities that are held throughout the year in the United States.
The show featured a wide variety of products to appeal to people of all ages encompassing the full spectrum of disabilities.
There were bionic exoskeletons to help paraplegics and quadriplegics walk, adaptive vehicles, wheelchairs and accessories, adaptive clothing, home modification devices, daily living aids, medical equipment, adapted furniture, assistive technology for people with sensory disabilities, developmental disability products and more from the close to 200 vendors.
The workshops addressing critical issues for people with disabilities included presentations on travel, finances, managing emotions, disaster preparedness, finding the right mobility device and more.
Here are just a few of the events that were held during the three-day show:
KABC Radio’s Dr. David Kipper and Peter Tilden did a live broadcast of “The Medical Show” where attendees could ask any health-related question.
Rupert Issacson, author of the book and star of the film “The Horse Boy”, gave a workshop where he shared his Horse Boy Method to attendees hoping to better connect to children with Autism.
Guinness World Record holding paraplegic mountain climber Mark Wellman helped attendees climb with his specially developed adaptive climbing equipment.
Paralympian Angela Madsen displayed her bronze medal and her new ocean rowing boat, which she will use to row solo to Hawaii from California this summer.
Sundance Channel’s “Push Girls” were on hand to talk about the upcoming second season and sign autographs.
Dance sensation Team Hotwheels, including “Glee’s” Ali Stroker and “Push Girl’s” Chelsie Hill, performed dance routines.
“Such an impressive LA expo!,” said Attendee Emily Weiss. “(I) was happy I could attend and was inspired by such amazing individuals.”
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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