AEM’s Megan Tanel Receives 2017 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award
May 16, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events recently celebrated another successful Women’s Leadership Forum May 2 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
More than 220 attendees sold out this year’s event which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career, as well as the 2017 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award was presented to Megan Tanel, CEM during the event.
Tanel is senior vice president, Exhibitions and Events for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
She has been an extraordinary leader during her more than 20-year career with AEM and within various volunteer roles in the industry. She is a role model and passionate professional whose example leads to the advancement of women in the exhibitions and events industry.
Tanel gives back tremendously through her formal and informal leadership roles within IAEE and beyond. Her consistent dedication and devotion to not only advancing the industry, but representing women in the industry admirably, earned her this year’s Woman of Achievement Award.
“I am humbled and extremely appreciative of this honor that has been presented to me,” Tanel said. “I am surrounded by amazing people throughout this industry and know so many women more deserving of this award than me.
She added, “I go about my job with dedication, determination and a strong willingness to work toward what is right and in the best interest of my members, staff and industry. Regardless of gender, I and my team strive to achieve success in all that we do. But because of gender, sometimes we have to prove ourselves even more. And without a strong team in the office or a strong partnership at home, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish any of this.”
2017 IAEE Chairperson Ryan Strowger, CEM, said, “This year’s Women’s Leadership Forum illustrated why this event continues to sell out each year. The outstanding group of speakers offered a diverse mix of education from both informative and interactive perspectives. The attendees were eager to learn and participate – overall, an incredible turnout and event.”
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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