“Reinventing Live” Explores the Future of Events
May 4, 2021
It’s now a matter of when, and not if, events return. That’s all that is certain. Change is coming, but in what form is anyone’s guess.
Two industry veterans with as much of an educated opinion on the future of events are Denzil Rankine, founder of and executive chairman of consulting firm AMR International, and Marco Giberti, a tech whiz who is founder and CEO of Vesuvio Ventures. The pair have written the book on where events are headed, “Reinventing Live: The Always On Future of Events,” which they will discuss in-depth with TSNN Editorial Director Matt Swenson during a webinar on May 11 at 11 a.m. EST.
As the title suggests, the authors “already had ideas about how events needed to change,” Rankine writes in an introduction to the book. “The pandemic merely became the catalyst, triggering the biggest turning point in the history of the global events industry and causing organizers and suppliers to be collectively concerned about their survival.”
Anyone involved in events should have used the past 14 months to evaluate their way of doing business. Are companies putting on the right kind of shows? Are exhibitors engaging attendees properly? Are planners able to see the big picture rather than organizing a set of education sessions broken up by meals and functions?
How those answers play out will dictate whether an event maintains lasting power — an onus that falls largely on the planner. See this excerpt from the book:
“Today’s organizers need to adapt to being more than just organizers. Their challenge will be to translate trusted brands, market knowledge, attendee databases, industry- supplier databases, and content into meaningful platforms that emulate and improve what we do in the physical world online. This means hybrid online- offline- online platforms will prompt communities to interact in many new ways.”
Rankine and Giberti interview a who’s who of industry experts in analyzing technology, revenue generation and more in this comprehensive examination. Those interviewed are impressed with the final results.
“This book elegantly bridges the legacy live exhibition business to what the authors call 'community catalyst’,” said Charlie McCurdy, president and CEO of Informa Markets. “The challenge is now with us, the exhibitions organizers of the world, to engage."
Said Douglas Emslie, Group Chief Executive of Tarsus: “Denzil’s and Marco’s book is an essential read for executives working their way through the digital change and looking to make sure they cover all the angles. This book is a key read in establishing your strategy for the future of your business.”
To register for the upcoming webinar, click here.
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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.
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