Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association Names Huff President; Announces New Board Members for 2012-2013
August 18, 2012
Susan Huff, director of global conventions for Medtronic, was named president of the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association (HCEA) for 2012-2013.
Huff assumed the role of HCEA president during the 2012 HCEA Annual Meeting that was held June 23-26 in Orlando.
Huff has been in the convention industry for almost 30 years, working for Medtronic for 25 of those years, and has held a variety of convention-related positions.
In her current role, she leads the exhibit design program on a global basis for Medtronic. Prior to Medtronic, she worked in communications and public relations for a show organizer.
She also is a member of the Exhibit Industry Council and the All Industry Summit. She earned a B.S. in Advertising from the University of Wisconsin.
During her acceptance speech at the HCEA Annual Meeting, Huff stressed the importance of face-to-face marketing: “Watch face-to-face in action. This is our profession; we create environments to make this happen.”
She added, “At the same time, we’re facing more competition from other marketing channels, such as the web, virtual events and social media. While acknowledging these other channels can complement the face-to-face channel, we need to continue to demonstrate the value of face-to-face. This is where HCEA can help.”
Huff has been a member of HCEA since 1990 and has served on the HCEA Board of Directors since 2003. Huff served as HCEA President-Elect during 2011-2012.
Also at the HCEA annual meeting, the board of directors were named for 2012-2013:
President elect – Betsy Wadas, CME/H, Genentech; vice president – Janie Ward, CME/H, Abbott; treasurer – Susan Weatherbee, Boston Scientific; secretary – Kim Foley, Philips Healthcare; and immediate past president – Peggy Furman, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.
HCEA’s 2012-2014 directors are:
Christine DiDomenico, Purdue Pharma L.P.; Christine Farmer, Sanofi; Carol Fields, CME/H, Edwards Lifesciences; Karen Kingston, CME/H, CMP, B. Braun Medical; and Dawn Will, Pfizer.
HCEA’s 2012-2013 directors are:
Randy Bauler, CEM, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses; Diane Benson, CTSM, GE Healthcare; Sheree Budrecki, Bristol-Myers Squibb; Anna Mosback, Covidien Surgical Solutions; Karen Prieto, Forest Laboratories, Inc.; and Michael Seymour, CME, 3D Exhibits.
HCEA’s 2012-2013 appointed directors are:
Sara Peterson, CEM, American Academy of Dermatology; Michelle Turenne, American Thoracic Society; and Kyle Wood, Delphi Productions.
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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