AG Connect Expo & Summit Breaks Records Across the Board
February 5, 2013
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ biennial AG Connect Expo & Summit not only nearly doubled its attendance, but it also set records for exhibit space, number of exhibitor and education tickets.
The 2013 show attracted nearly 11,000 registrants, compared with 5,800 registrants in 2011. (The 2011 collocated American Farm Bureau Federation had an additional 5,500 registrants.)
The 2013 event was held Jan. 29-31 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Mo.
AG CONNECT Expo & Summit also had nearly 400 exhibitors and more than 220,000 net square feet of exhibit space.
Attendees included farmers, senior executives, product developers and industry experts.
Eleven percent of the registrants came from outside the U.S., with more than 50 countries represented. Eight Canadian provinces also were represented at the show, along with allU.S. states except Hawaii.
"These are industry professionals who specifically wanted to take advantage this year of all that AG CONNECT has to offer,"said Show Director Sara Mooney.
She added, "Exhibitors tell us they have quality dialog with the right people, and attendees tell us the breadth of education is key as well as executive interaction and product innovations.”
There were more than 30 collocated events at the show, including 10 association conferences eight educational seminars and more than 13 exhibitor events.
In addition, there were 2,600-plus tickets reserved for the show’s educational programming.
As part of the networking at the show, the opening ceremony featured a new awards program initiated this year by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and AG CONNECT.
These awards showcased the “best and brightest in product innovations to the industry,” according to show organizers.
The awards will be presented biennially in conjunction with AG CONNECT and will be highlighted in a special display at the 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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