MINExpo International 2012 Sees Record Double-digit Growth in Uncertain Economy
September 25, 2012
Just as the giant haul trucks and excavators the size of a three-story building, MINExpo International 2012 was impressive with its sheer size and was billed as a largest collection of mining equipment ever gathered.
Produced by the National Mining Association, the premier quadrennial event for the mining industry spanned 860,000 square feet, up 40 percent from its previous show in 2008.
The show featured a total of 1,890 exhibitors, also up nearly 45 percent, and attracted more than 58,359 attendees, an increase of more than 45 percent.
MINExpo was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 24–26, and for the first time, took over the South Hall, where full registration and shuttle service were available.
"It was pretty astounding, particularly when you have uncertain economy," said Carol Raulston, senior vice president of communication for the National Mining Association.
She added, "One of the advantages of the show is that it is held every four years so the companies can build up innovation and time introduction of their new products and services."
Raulston noted that equipment producers currently are focusing on increased efficiency, better environmental performance and safety. "We're in the next generation of mining," she added.
Innovation was at the top of the list for attendee Jay Honse with Peabody Energy. "We are looking for new ideas, particularly in the safety category," he said. "The commodities aren't going well but we hope to see improvements. We are in the middle of expansion."
Uncertainty in the marketplace was a topic of many discussions as Caterpillar lowered its profit forecast for 2015, citing weaker demand for construction and mining equipment.
“There are a number of geopolitical and economic factors driving uncertainty in the world today, but our base case scenario calls for modest global economic growth over the next few years,” Chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman said in the statement issued before the start of his presentation to analysts on Monday.
At the same time, Caterpillar had a record-setting exhibit spanning 52,000 square feet and offering attendees a rare chance to get a bird's eye view from the cabin of its giant haul trucks and other equipment, weighing a total of 2,600 tons.
The weight and size of the exhibited equipment are among the reasons behind choosing the Las Vegas Convention Center as the show’s venue.
Raulston noted that some pieces had arrived more than three months earlier and had to be assembled during the past week on site.
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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