Georgia World Congress Center Keeps Everyone Connected at ISTE Show
July 27, 2014
When the Georgia World Congress Center welcomed more than 20,000 attendees during the 2014 ISTE conference at the beginning of July, the venue was challenged to make sure everyone stayed connected.
ISTE (The International Society for Technology in Education) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in advancing excellence in learning and teaching through the innovative and effective uses of technology in PK–12 and teacher education.
Because of the technological nature of the show, ISTE depends heavily on wireless connectivity to support their exhibitors.
To meet ISTE’s infrastructure needs, the GWCC showcased its expansive network during the event, supporting more than 13,600 concurrent connections and 24,000 unique devices in a 24 hour period. Last year’s ISTE Conference in San Antonio had 6,700 simultaneous users connected at one time.
“The ISTE Conference is extremely demanding from an internet and wireless perspective due to the large number of technically oriented BYOD (Bring your own device) attendees,” said Jennifer Ragen-Fore, senior director of Conference Services for ISTE.
He added, “CCLD and Meru were great partners in the design and implementation of the ISTE 2014 network resulting in the largest number of concurrent users and bandwidth utilized in the history of the ISTE conference."
CCLD Networks, the Georgia World Congress Center's exclusive telephone and internet provider, recently overhauled the facility's event network infrastructure.
A year in the making, the network upgrade was completed in June of 2013. Microsoft was the first major client to benefit from the upgrade during their MGX FY14 event the following month.
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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