Mar 31, 2020
After closing their doors to trade shows and events due to the coronavirus pandemic, many convention centers across the U.S. are taking on an entirely different role. This week, many are being converted into makeshift medical facilities to help relieve beleaguered hospitals and staff so they can provide better care for more serious and critical patients. Take a look.
Javits Center
The Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City – currently the epicenter of the U.S. pandemic as of press time – is one of the first U.S. convention facilities to be converted into a temporary medical station. This… more
Mar 26, 2020
The massive Las Vegas Convention Center project continued to move forward, with construction workers on behalf of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority beginning the extensive process of pouring 600,000 square feet of concrete flooring in the main exhibit hall in the new West Hall expansion.
The process will take between four and five months to complete and is a major step forward in the expansion construction, which is now 77 percent complete.
The 600,000-square-foot exhibit hall features 328,000 square feet of flexible space, the largest in North America.
Upstairs, there’s an… more
Mar 26, 2020
As the world faces the growing coronavirus pandemic, many of us are experiencing anxiety and fear about uncertain futures, financial hardships, and protecting ourselves and our loved ones.
To help stressed-out event professionals cope with this challenging situation, Global DMC Partners conducted a free webinar on March 24 titled, “5 Ways to Increase Your Physical and Mental Immunity During a Crisis.” This incredibly valuable presentation was led by Ela Dugan, a Boston-based personal trainer, nutritionist and life coach, who shared her insights about how to take care of yourself during… more
Mar 24, 2020
If you’re an event organizer who has recently cancelled, postponed or gone virtual with your event, now’s the time to share how you’re doing with UFI and Explori. The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and the live event research specialists, respectively, are inviting event planners to participate in an international research project that aims to understand the impact of this significant disruption on attendees and exhibitors. The study will also identify best practices for future resilience.
To participate in this project, reach out to research@ufi.org or bespoke@explori.com, or… more
Mar 20, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has sent the travel industry into a tailspin, but there is light at the end of the tunnel—however long it may take us to get there, says Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. Here’s his take on the current situation.
How are destinations dealing with the coronavirus from a meetings business standpoint?
I think there’s never been a more collaborative effort in the industry and with all the industry players involved in meetings. What we’re realizing, as we go through this, is that knowledge is power, and we’re getting more clarity with every… more
Mar 18, 2020
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released preliminary projections today that outline the impact that the novel coronavirus pandemic will have on the U.S. B2B exhibition industry in the coming months. According to CEIR officials, these calculations were obtained from data it collected from exhibition and event organizers who have cancelled their events.
“We have been closely monitoring the progress of COVID-19 in anticipation of how it will impact our industry for weeks,” said Cathy Breden, CEO of CEIR. “Data collection and analysis takes time, and we are pleased to have enough… more
Mar 18, 2020
Even though mergers and acquisitions activity has slowed down significantly as a result of COVID-19, Diversified Communications announced yesterday it had acquired Energy Storage North America (ESNA) from producer ESNA EXPO LLC.
The investment not only grows Diversified Communications’ portfolio of events for the renewable energy industry, but also reinforces its commitment to supporting the new energy economy.
In addition to acquiring three of the leading solar + energy storage industry events from the Intersolar portfolio last year, Diversified Communications also owns and operates a 1.… more
Mar 18, 2020
A new report from Tourism Economics shows that the impact of the coronavirus outbreak will have far-reaching consequences for the travel industry. The total economic loss is projected to translate into a total economic loss of $809 billion — more than six times worse than the world experienced post-9/11.
The report predicts that the U.S. economy will lose 4.6 million travel-related jobs as a direct result of the decline in travel, 3.6 million of which are estimated to be directly within the industry. Based on historical precedent, this will push the unemployment rate up to 6.3 percent in the… more
Mar 17, 2020
In a time where most face-to-face meetings aren’t an option, many event professionals are turning to virtual events. But as we all know, it can be difficult to keep a remote audience engaged.
How many times have you signed up for a webinar with the best of intentions, only to realize midway through that you’ve been multitasking — checking email, browsing the web or talking to your coworker who just had “one quick question”? Or, you signed up for a virtual event only to experience difficulty with logging in, viewing the livestream or seeing pop-ups such as polls? These are the types of… more
Mar 16, 2020
As of March 15, the CDC is recommending that for the next eight weeks (until at least May 4), all events consisting of 50 people or more be postponed or canceled.
According to the statement: “Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but… more
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.