Hospitality Technology Show – HITEC – Boasts 12-percent Showfloor Growth in Los Angeles
June 23, 2014
HITEC 2014, a hospitality technology show, officially has kicked off, running June 23–26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and the show already is off to a great start.
“We have grown again from last year, both in number of exhibitors and show square footage, at nearly a 12 percent increase from 2013,” said Steven Stout, CAE, director of Meetings and Special Events, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, which runs the show.
He added, “The exhibitor demand was so great for this year we added ‘Supporter Benefits’ packages for those exhibitors we could not accommodate on the show floor, so our attendees can still learn more about their products and services.”
There are several must-sees at the show this year. First off, are the Super Sessions and Boot Camps going on throughout the HITEC conference. A big push this year is regarding security, which includes credit card, technology and safety security.
Attendees can benefit from the educational sessions supporting the topic of building a better tech hotel as well.
The other hot-button topic is big data and how to use big data for customer service and reputation building in the hospitality industry. This topic also is flowing into the Tech Tour, with many exhibitors requesting participation. Tech Talks are back, with many new speakers, so be sure to take out those 15 minutes for a quick learning session.
The mobile experience is of course a focus, and now is branching into how a hotel handles mobility connection with multiple devices. For example, a family of four could easily have eight different devices that need to connect to the Wi-Fi at the same time.
The HITEC mobile experience provided by I-Sites is replacing the standard event app and connects to the free Wi-Fi throughout the show (sponsored by Cisco), thus making it device neutral. This mobile experience provides comprehensive functionality, including info on restaurants nearby, transportation, flight links, hotel links and more.
The Digital Den has charging stations and a fantastic Twitter wall, and just beyond it you will find a station for a Google Glass demo. If you are interesting in learning more about how Google Glass will affect the hotel customer experience, this is a demo not to miss.
With the show just getting started, Stout reported that there are already several exhibitors on a waiting list for exhibit space at the 2015 show in Austin, Texas.
“With technology and customer expectations, changing so rapidly, HITEC is helping attendees stay ahead of the trend with a conference that educates and influences how hotels embrace their technological future,” he added.
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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