Despite Turmoil in Ukraine, ITE Group Stages Building Events
March 6, 2014
Even though every day brings more uncertainty to the political turmoil in the Ukraine, U.K.-based ITE Group still went ahead with successfully hosting four collocated building events through its local business – Premier Expo.
The decision to proceed with KyivBuild, Intertool Kiev, BuildTech and KIPS, held March 4-6 in the country’s capital Kiev at the International Exhibition Centre, was taken after consulting with local staff, exhibitors, government officials and embassies, according to ITE Group officials.
Although visitor numbers were lower than in previous years, the collocated events ran on schedule as planned.
“We’ve had a challenging, but successful start to our spring season event program,” said Premier Expo Managing Director Anatoly Sushon.
He added, “The conflict on the streets of Kiev was restricted to the city center and thankfully, the main transport infrastructure and the area surrounding the venue (IEC) and our office, was unaffected by the trouble.”
Onsite at the event, Sushon said everyone moved forward with continuing with their work.
People are very keen for a return to normality, and we wanted to contribute by not cancelling or rescheduling our events,” he added. “The safety of our staff and participants is our main priority and we acted upon the best available information to make sure that this wasn’t compromised.”
After several months of protests and the ousting of the country’s president,Viktor Yanukovich, during which dozens of people were killed, followed by Russian troops moving into the Crimean region, the county still faces continued strife.
“We’re keeping a close eye on developments in the country, and we’ve implemented a communications plan so that people are informed of our plans until the situation here settles,” Sushon said.
Premier Expo’s event season continues with Estet Beauty Expo March 12-14 and UITT March 26-28, both at the IEC in Kiev.
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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