SECO Moves 2019 Conference to New Orleans
February 9, 2017
For the first time in 50 years, SECO International will move SECO, the annual conference providing the optometry industry educational opportunities since 1924, out of Atlanta and to New Orleans.
This move marks the first time SECO has held a meeting outside of Atlanta since 1957. SECO 2019 will take place Feb. 20–24 at the New Orleans Ernest Morial Convention Center.
“We’re excited to bring SECO to a new city and believe the move will energize the conference on all fronts, giving us the creative luxury to reimagine the event strategy to ensure the show is meeting the business and education objectives of our industry,” said Lynn Hammonds, O.D., president of SECO International, LLC.
Hammonds added, “New Orleans has a recently remodeled, world-class convention center located right on the Mississippi River that will be a terrific host location for SECO 2019.”
As a result of the move, SECO is looking to recraft the show strategy to ensure that all aspects of the event - education, exhibits and events - are in line with best practices, creating an experience that will guarantee both attendees and exhibitors an opportunity to build new relationships, while strengthening existing ones.
Attendees will not only benefit from show enhancements, but also will have competitive hotel selections and rates, free shuttles from area hotels and affordable travel to this centrally located state.
For SECO exhibitors, this move to New Orleans’ convention center means lower costs and a good location for exhibiting.
“New Orleans is thrilled to welcome the SECO community in 2019,” said Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau.
He added, “Our world-class city, award-winning meeting facilities and rich cultural heritage make New Orleans the ideal setting for eye care professionals from around the world to come together, learn, network and do business. The entire New Orleans hospitality industry is ready to roll out the red carpet for SECO International.”
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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