Event Tech Live Partners With Grip to Deliver Hosted Buyer Program; Opens Voting for Launchpad Competition
March 31, 2023
Event Tech Live (ETL) has launched its first hosted buyer program for its shows in Las Vegas and London using the MustMeet platform by Grip, a leading AI-powered event tech provider built for meetings and matchmaking.
Grip’s MustMeet product, a powerful meeting scheduling system for event organizers, is being used by ETL to automatically schedule, manage and host a range of meetings for buyers and suppliers.
“Our hosted buyer initiative is about expediting the ETL experience for brands and businesses typically unable to commit a day to the show,” said Adam Parry, co-founder of ETL. “There will be a dedicated, furnished zone where they can have quick, pre-arranged meetings with exhibitors.”
Perry continued, “It’s an optional extra that will bring another level of interaction to the show floor, and it’s great to be working with an innovative vehicle like MustMeet to deliver this.”
MustMeet helps organizers by easily adding transformational meetings to their events with AI-powered, automated schedules, according to Tim Groot, founder and CEO of Grip.
“We’ve seen an 80 percent increase in demand for events where meetings are a core part of the experience,” Groot said. “The growth of this new product has been incredible, as more organizers start offering facilitated meeting programs to connect buyers and suppliers.”
Groot added, “We’re proud Event Tech Live is the latest organizer to select MustMeet. It will deliver greater ROI for participants, boost NPS and increase revenue.”
ETL Las Vegas Launchpad
Meanwhile, voting is now open for the first ETL Las Vegas Launchpad Competition for event tech startups and those launching brand-new tech.
This year’s competition is sponsored by DAHLIA+Agency and Event Industry News, which will have representatives on the expert judging panel.
The three companies that receive the most votes will be announced on April 26, the first day of ETL Las Vegas, and invited to deliver a short presentation in front of a live audience at the show on April 27. An expert panel of judges will rank the companies gold, silver and bronze, with a significant prize for each category.
There are eight companies competing for a prize this year. Event professionals can show their support for their favorite new tech by voting here. To see the winners announced in at the show, register here.
ETL Las Vegas will take place April 26-27 at The Expo at World Market Center. ETL London is set for Nov. 15-16 at ExCeL, London. Both shows are dedicated to bringing global event professionals together to experience and discuss the latest advances in event tech, champion thought leadership and engage its community year-round.
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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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