Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center Re-signs with Smart City
January 24, 2016
The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) in Houston has extended its partnership with Smart City for an additional 5 years after a competitive bid process.
The new contract will allow Smart City to provide additional services and upgrades for the venue. Smart City has served as the organization’s technology provider since 1995.
“Smart City has worked hard to provide the most high-quality services throughout its history with the George R. Brown Convention Center, and we look forward to building on our services at the iconic venue for many years to come,” Haley said.
Under the extended contract, Smart City will continue to offer temporary electrical and plumbing services for all of the venue’s events.
This contract does not include telecommunications services for the facility, which are provided under a separate contract.
The contract includes a number of infrastructure upgrades, which will provide additional support for the upcoming large-scale events at the venue, including the 2017 Super Bowl and the 2016 NCAA Final Four.
These upgrades are provided under both an initial capital fund as well as a post-construction fund received by Houston First Corporation, the convention center’s management company.
“We have worked with Smart City for the past 20 years and are pleased to continue this relationship with them,” said Luther Villagomez, COO, convention center district.
He added, “It is with the support of partner vendors like Smart City that we at the GRB are able to provide the quality and continuity of service our clients deserve and expect.”
Spanning more than five blocks, the GRBCC hosts a wide range of events each year, including the annual NAPE Summit, Comicpalooza, the Houston Marathon and more. Houston First Corporation is currently expanding the Houston Convention District surrounding the convention center.
This large-scale project will provide the facility with a second connected headquarter hotel, a new grand entrance, restaurants, a pedestrian plaza, a concourse connecting exhibit halls and a parking garage linked to a 10-story office tower.
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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