Meetings Mean Business Launches Business Leader Series

April 1, 2016

The Meetings Mean Business Coalition has launched a new business leader video series to showcase authentic stories of how and why meetings matter across all professions.

The inaugural three video vignettes reflect the widespread reach of meeting face-to-face, profiling a trade association, a not-for-profit, and a corporation.

MMBC will continue to debut new videos throughout the year to highlight how meetings build trust, foster engagement and generate new business

MMBC is bringing in outside voices to propel the campaign and help validate how meetings touch every industry. Those profiled speak to the many unique benefits of in-person meetings, sharing examples of positive outcomes for their companies and their own professional growth. 

These personal stories and examples from those outside the meetings industry help generate more interest and credibility, allowing MMBC to advocate the value of meetings to decision makers in corporate America, Capitol Hill, and everywhere in between.

“Those in the meetings industry understand the power of face-to-face. It’s exciting to bring in outside voices to help spread our message,” said Michael Dominguez, co-chair of MMBC and senior vice president & chief sales officer at MGM Resorts International.

He added, “This video series illustrates the return on investment of bringing people together in-person and provides examples of how meetings foster personal relationships, drive positive outcomes and support strong communities.”

The video series captures a variety of stories that speak to the true impact of face-to-face – whether it’s the deal closed with a handshake, the motivating educational conference someone spoke at, or the innovative idea that wouldn’t have been possible without bringing people together under one roof.

These and future videos will showcase personal examples of how meetings have made the difference in executives’ lives and for their companies:

·         Mike Gallagher, chief executive officer at the Entertainment Software Association, discusses how trade shows like E3 showcase new products and generate industry sales.

·         Cynthia Fenneman, president and chief executive officer at American Public Television (APT), reflects on how the trust and personal relationships developed at conferences result in positive business outcomes.

·         James Curleigh, president of Levi’s Brand®, shares how meetings help create the momentum and engagement for organizations to succeed.

MMBC focuses on showing the real power of what meetings, conferences, conventions, incentive travel, trade shows and exhibitions collectively do for people, businesses and communities.

Working with its diverse coalition members, MMBC brings to life the industry’s value story and champions the larger benefits of communicating face-to-face.

The coalition recently released a survey that found face-to-face meetings, conferences and events deliver topline growth and bottom line results for business leaders in the United States.

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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.