Atlanta Becomes Major Draw for Medical-related Meetings
February 24, 2013
With more than 65 medical groups selecting Atlanta last year as the site for future meetings, representing the largest number of rooms booked in the city for this segment since 2008, the destination quickly is becoming the go-to place for medical-related meetings.
Many of these meetings have never been held in Atlanta or are returning for the first time in more than a decade, according to Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau officials.
For the first time since 1999, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' annual Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo will return to Atlanta in 2014 and 2022.
New to Atlanta’s medical meetings’ lineup are two larger events that have never met in the city.
The Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) will bring more than 4,000 of the world’s top researchers in HIV/AIDS to Atlanta this March.
In addition, approximately 9,000 attendees will gather for the American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) Annual Meeting and OTO Expo in 2018 to assess research for disorders of the ear, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck.
“Atlanta’s large medical community and reputation as a leading research hub attracts medical meetings to Atlanta,” said William Pate, ACVB’s president and CEO.
He added, “The accessibility of the new Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal and variety of flexible meeting space also enhances Atlanta’s offering for these meetings.”
Atlanta is a draw because of a high density of not only hospital and medical research centers, but also other major health-related institutions call the city home.
More than 50 hospitals and several university research centers call Atlanta home, including Emory University, Georgia Tech University, Georgia State University and University of Georgia.
The American Cancer Society headquarters are located downtown, as well as the third-best pediatric hospital in the United States, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
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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