PACK EXPO International Scores Increases Across the Board in Chicago
November 5, 2012
Despite opening its doors at Chicago’s McCormick Place the day before Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast, PMMI’s biennial PACK EXPO International still pulled in a 3-percent increase in attendees to 45,388, compared with the 2010 event.
Before the storm struck, attendance was tracking even higher, with pre-registration up nearly 10 percent.
“While we fully expected to surpass our attendance goals, the storm’s effect on East Coast travel prohibited many from making the show,” said Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of PACK EXPO.
He added, “However, we still finished with the largest PACK EXPO International since 2006.”
Much of the increase came from international attendance, which was up 8 percent, compared with the last show.
PACK EXPO International was held Oct. 26-31 and also covered 1.1 million net square feet of space with 1,965 exhibitors, an increase of over 6 percent for space and 7 percent for exhibiting companies.
“The increase in exhibitors speaks to the quality of business done at PACK EXPO,” Yuska said.
He added, “These exhibiting companies invest time and resources, and they have to believe that they are going to get a return on that investment.”
The 2010 PACK EXPO International was ranked No. 3 on the TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list.
The success of this year’s show is helping to build excitement for PMMI’s next event – PACK EXPO Las Vegas on tap Sept. 23-25.
Approximately 47,000 square feet of booth space was sold during the show in Chicago last week, bringing the current PACK EXPO Las Vegas net square footage to nearly 560,000 net sq. ft., which already is more than 20 percent ahead of pace from 2011, according to PMMI officials.
“PACK EXPO International 2012 was definitely a success,” Yuska said.
He added, “Traffic was strong, despite the storm, and the exhibitors I spoke with were very pleased with the number and quality of leads they received. I think it’s also significant that exhibitors were already planning ahead and reserving booth space for PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2013.”
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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