Travelocity Founder Terry Jones Tapped to Keynote TSNN Awards in Reno
July 17, 2013
There’s no doubt that the ability for consumers to directly book their own travel online has been a game-changer, and at the top of that game is Travelocity.com, billed as one of the largest online travel agencies in the world.
TSNN is proud to announce that attendees to the 4th Annual TSNN Awards Nov. 1-3 in Reno will have the opportunity to hear a keynote from Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity, board chair of Kayak.com and board member of LuxuryLink, Smart Destinations and Rearden Commerce.
In other words, when it comes to the evolution of online travel booking, Jones has been at the forefront since its advent.
Jones will speak in front of more than 50 show organizers being honored for their fastest-growing events, as well as industry suppliers on Nov. 2 after a lunch at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
“I'm looking forward to celebrating new ideas ON innovation with the 50 fastest-growing shows at the TSNN Awards in November,” Jones said.
He added, “We'll explore the fundamentals of innovation together and create a step-by-step plan for their future through innovation. It will be a great opportunity.”
TSNN President Rachel Wimberly said, “We are beyond excited that Terry Jones will be keynoting the TSNN Awards in Reno. Attendees will have the chance to learn from someone who is truly a trailblazer in his field.”
Other high-profile speakers at the event include David Audrain, chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, and Jason McGraw, chair of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, on the "state of the industry" during the executive conference.
“I am so proud to have Terry Jones as our keynote speaker. This event as always brought our winners and attendees leading keynote presenters who are at the pinnacle of their industries and Terry represents just that," said Adam Schaffer, TSNN Awards awards executive producer and emcee, Tradeshows and Exhibitions, HelmsBriscoe.
He added, "His insight and wisdom into the business world generally, and the travel world – which so impacts our own business – specifically, will cap a day of top flight learning and discussion.”
For more information on the TSNN Awards Nov. 1-3 in Reno, please visit www.T-awards.com.
At Travelocity, Jones was the president and CEO from its founding until May 2002. Previously, Jones served as CIO at Sabre Inc.
In his 24 years at Sabre, Jones held various executive positions, including president of Computer Services, vice president of Applications Development and vice president of Product Development.
Prior to Sabre, Jones joined American Airlines in 1978 as director of Product Development when American Airlines acquired Agency Data Systems, a Florida-based, mini-computer accounting systems company. He became president of the division when it moved to Dallas/Fort Worth.
A graduate of Denison University in Granville, Ohio, Jones entered the travel industry in 1971 as a travel agent with Vega Travel in Chicago. He later served five years as a vice president of Travel Advisors, a company specializing in business travel to Eastern Europe and the USSR, with offices in Chicago and Moscow.
Jones is managing principal of Essential Ideas, a consultancy he co-founded to help companies in their transition to the digital economy. He serves as chairman of the board of Kayak.com and is on the boards of LuxuryLink, Smart Destinations and Rearden Commerce.
He is a venture capitalist with General Catalyst Partners and the Sierra Angels. Jones also is chairman of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and serves on the National Information Technology committee of the Boy Scouts of America.
The TSNN Awards will feature an opening night reception, followed by an executive conference, lunchenon, keynote and gala awards dinner the next day and a Sunday brunch.
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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