ASAE’s Annual Meeting Will Feature Closing Keynote with Chef Jeff Henderson

March 14, 2017

The American Society of Association Executives unveiled several of its game changers, as well as its closing keynote with Chef Jeff Henderson, who all will take part in the 2017 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition Aug. 12-15 in Toronto. 

“We are excited for this year’s meeting in Toronto. Chef Jeff Henderson, the five game changers, and education session leaders will provide attendees with inspiration, new ideas and different perspectives on a variety of association management topics and challenges they are facing,” said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, FASAE, CAE.

He added. “Participants will bring back innovative solutions to their organization. It will be fantastic.”

Chef Henderson, an executive chef for brands like Caesars and Bellagio and the Food Network star and The New York Times bestselling author of Cooked, will be the closing keynote.

He will discuss his own reinvention with take-away lessons on facing adversity and identifying one’s personal gifts.

Chef Henderson will share inspirational stories that illustrate how diversity drives organizational benefits from increased staff retention, consistency in product delivery, and teams that are more confident and productive.

Sunday afternoon through Tuesday morning, ASAE will present five game changers selected for their ability to provide diverse perspectives and revolutionary ideas from outside the association community.

Be the Change with Major Mary Jennings “MJ” Hegar, Executive Coach and Consultant, former pilot, Air National Guard. 

Balanced Obsession: The Science of Happiness and Success by Daniel Lerner, Psychology Professor at New York University, author of U Thrive.

I’m Judging You: Do Better with Luvvie Ajayi, Executive Director, The Red Pump Project

Living out Loud with Nyle Dimarco, Deaf Activist and winner of America’s Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars

Be More Awesome: A Fresh Approach to Productivity with Chris Bailey, author of The Productivity Project.B

Learn more about the career and knowledge pathways and all education sessions. The early bird registration deadline is July 12. 

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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.