ASD Las Vegas, Independent Retailer Conference Join Forces
September 2, 2013
For next year’s ASD Las Vegas in March, the event will be collocated with the Independent Retailer Conference – the only conference dedicated to this sector.
“We’re excited to bring expert education and trusted support uniquely for independent retailers to our upcoming show, providing the thousands of independent retailers who attend each ASD Show a valuable experience to help their stores further succeed,” said ASD Show Marketing Director Camille Candella.
Emerald Expositions’ ASD event will be held March 16-19 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Independent Retailer Conference is a standalone event that next runs April 21, 2014 at the Scholastic Auditorium in New York City.
The ASD show will be the first time the conference will be collocated with another event.
“The Independent Retailer Conference is committed to delivering quality education for merchants who have one to ten stores,” said Independent Retailer Conference Co-Founder Nicole Leinbach Reyhle.
She added, “By attending the ASD Show, we will be able to further reach independent retailers and engage with them through educational seminars, hands-on workshops, quick tip teachings and much more. We’re excited to support the attendees of ASD and look forward to supporting ASD in their constant efforts to best support retailers.”
Joining the Independent Retailer Conference at ASD will be internationally recognized retail experts Kizer & Bender, who will be delivering a keynote presentation as well as will be onsite for an “Ask the Experts” station.
“We’re looking forward to sharing ideas with all sorts of indie retailers at the inaugural Independent Retailer Conference – and hearing their stories,” Georganne Bender said.
The conference, founded by Reyhle and of Retail Minded & Kerry Bannigan of Nolcha Events,embraces the unique lifestyle and responsibilities of retail small business owners and an educational and networking-oriented event for retailers, wholesalers and community leaders, according to show organizers.
The biannual ASD Las Vegas typically attracts more than 32,000 attendees and last year’s winter show drew 2,760 exhibitors as well.
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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