Los Angeles Will Host 24 Citywide Conventions in 2012, Most Since 2001
September 6, 2012
With Los Angeles’ largest trade show, the Entertainment Software Association’s E3 Expo, recently signing on to stay through 2015, there was even more good news for the destination that 2012 will mark the best year the city has had since 2001, with 24 citywide conventions.
Besides the convention market, Los Angeles also is on pace for a record-breaking tourism year, according to officials from the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LA Tourism).
A mid-year forecast projects the destination will welcome 41.3 million visitors by year-end, 2.4 percent above the current record of 40.3 million visitors set in 2011.
With L.A. Live, an entertainment complex that includes a much-needed hotel next to the Los Angeles Convention Center, opening in the past few years, along with other improvements in the downtown area, L.A.’s efforts to draw in more conventions and overall visitors seem to be paying off.
“This is great news for our local tourism industry and our local economy. Every visitor and every visitor dollar spent plays a critical role in creating jobs and in keeping our local economy strong,” said LA Tourism President and CEO Mark Liberman.
He added, “With the new Tourism Marketing District support, we now have a stronger voice in the increasingly competitive travel space that is already paying off and helping to drive demand to visit.”
L.A.’s tourism industry continues to benefit from strong domestic visitation from key markets, including San Francisco, San Diego, New York City, Phoenix, Sacramento and Chicago; its position as a gateway city for Asia, including the growing China market; and the outlook for emerging markets in South America, especially Brazil.
LA Tourism is working hard to attract even more business and leisure travelers to the destination in the future as well with these efforts:
LA Tourism will launch a new domestic arts and culture campaign this fall to inspire travel to Los Angeles during October and November, traditionally a shoulder season for the destination.
In the first quarter of 2013, the organization will launch a new domestic consumer branding campaign designed to inspire travelers to choose Los Angeles for spring and summer travel and continue its popular dineLA restaurant program.
Internationally, LA Tourism has plans to launch expanded marketing efforts in Canada, the UK and Australia and to pursue new global meetings, incentives, exhibitions and tradeshows (MICE) business.
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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