#ExhibitionsDay Hosts Record 125 Attendees, 100 Meetings on Capitol Hill
June 12, 2018
This year’s #ExhibitionsDay, held June 5-6 in Washington, D.C., drew a record-breaking 125 trade show professionals to Capitol Hill to meet with congressional representatives in more than 100 meetings.
“2018 marked a record year for Exhibitions Day in Washington, D.C. with 125 attendees and 100 meetings on the Hill. The four areas of focus during all of our conversations with Congressional members and staff were Hotel Anti-Scam Legislation, Safety and Security, Global Travel Facilitation and Airport Infrastructure Enhancements,” said IAEE president and CEO, David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA.
He added, “The U.S. exhibitions industry is strong with $91 billion being contributed to the national GDP in 2017. Advocating for our industry and meeting with federal lawmakers affects positive change and increases awareness of our importance in the global marketplace.”
Attendees came from all over the United States to meet with their local reps to talk about the pressing issues in the trade show industry.
The event kicked off June 5 with an opening reception before everyone hit Capitol Hill the next day.
HERE is video coverage from CNTV on the event.
Here are a few quotes from participants:
“I loved attending #ExhibitionsDay! Walking around the different buildings on Capitol Hill really made me feel like I was part of the Democratic process.” - Amy Durkin, CEM, CMP, director of events, National Catholic Educational Association
“Las Vegas is a top travel destination and exhibitions and events are key to driving visitation. Exhibitions Day provides a great opportunity to interact with valued partners and decision makers to highlight the importance of our industry and what it contributes to the overall economy.” - Alex Land, CEM, sales executive, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
“The opportunity to share the message with congressional leaders that our industry represents $91 million is powerful. The fact that over 100 industry professionals are aligned and spreading the importance of our issues on one day is rewarding.” - Angi Van Berg, CEM, vice president of Trade Show Sales, Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau
Besides the advocacy in D.C., there were events held all over the U.S. including at IAEE chapters in Northern California, New York and the Midwest to name a few.
In addition, there were a bevy of tweets under the #ExhibitionsDay hashtag from destinations like Columbus and Las Vegas, as well as companies such as T3 Expo and a2z, Inc.
Want to share your story on why face to face works on the Exhibitions Mean Business web site? Go HERE
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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