ExpoDevCo Set to Launch Virginia Restaurant & Lodging Expo in October

January 8, 2016

Exposition Development Company (ExpoDevCo) will launch the Virginia Restaurant & Lodging Expo, an annual trade show serving the restaurant, foodservice, lodging and hospitality industry, in Virginia.

The inaugural show will be held Oct. 24-25 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Va.

The show will be developed with the support of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA).

“The association is looking forward to the launch and by partnering with ExpoDevCo we can utilize their already existing foodservice show network and expand on that to bring our statewide industry together,” said Eric Terry, president of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association.

He added, “We are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to offer a restaurant and lodging tradeshow for the Virginia hospitality industry.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also has endorsed the event and will be supporting the launch.

According to the National Restaurant Association, there are more than 14,100 eating and drinking establishments in Virginia.

Add that to the 1,495 lodging properties reported by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and there is a combined market that generates $21.3 billion in sales, supporting more than 403,000 jobs.

“Virginia is a major market for the hospitality industry, and we are excited to be working with VRLTA to build this event,” said ExpoDevCo Partner and COO Stephanie Everett.

During the expo, a comprehensive educational program will be available to attendees at no extra cost.

In addition, specialized training courses and certification classes will be offered. Live demonstrations from renowned chefs and restaurateurs will add value each day of the two-day event.

ExpoDevCo runs two other food and lodging related trade shows – the Atlanta Foodservice Expo and the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Expo.

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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.