IBTM World Announces 2018 Tech Watch Award Shortlist
October 30, 2018
The finalists for the 2018 IBTM World Technology Watch award have been selected. The shortlist comprises technology companies with innovative new products or services relevant to the meetings, incentive, conference and events (MICE) industry.
This year’s finalists are:
- Kubify— Learning Toolbox interactive e-poster system
- CadmiumCD— Meeting room scheduling/resource management system and event logistic management platform
- RadarioAI— Event marketing and analytics platform
- Event Tech Tribe—A collaborative ensemble of best-in-craft event technology providers that have chosen to work together technically and collaborate at a client level
- Zenus, Inc.and Fielddrive— Facial recognition registration
- Spacebase— Direct booking of unique venue meeting space
- IVvy— Direct meeting space booking system for hotels
- SpiceFactory— Creator of Sava.Eventsspeaker management system and intuitive chatbot
- Eventfolio— Multi-event management system
All entries were reviewed by an independent judging panel of event technology experts, headed by Corbin Ball, owner of Corbin Ball Associates and including Dahlia El Gazzar, founder of DAHLIA+ Inc; Ruud Janssen, founder of TNOC.org and co-founder of EMG; Pádraic Gilligan, managing partner at SoolNua; James Morgan, founder of Event Tech Lab; Michael Shapiro from Northstar Meetings Group, and Michelle Bruno, president of Bruno Group Signature Events.
“Innovation is alive and well in the events industry as evidenced in this year’s IBTM World Tech Watch Award,” Ball said.
He continued, “A large number of entrants point to several emerging event tech trends including facial recognition, artificial intelligence, advances in analytics, novel e-poster options, creative cloud-based alliances and more. Speaking for the judging committee, I would like to congratulate this year’s finalists on providing important contributions in advancing the MICE industry.”
Each entry is scored against innovation, concept/business model and value to the industry.
New this year, the ‘Tech Watch People’s Choice Award’ gives industry members the opportunity to vote on the event technology they’re most excited about and believe will add value to their business. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will take place via the IBTM World website and social media channels.
“IBTM World is this year centered around the theme of technology and how it can enhance every aspect of producing great events,” said Shane Hannam, IBTM’s portfolio director.
He continued, “The standard and breadth of entries we received this year was incredibly high, and the addition of our People’s Choice award this year gives our attendees the chance to have their say in which cutting-edge technology they feel could really make a difference to their business.”
The winner will be announced on Nov. 28 during IBTM World, which takes place Nov. 27-29 at Fira Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain.
To learn more about the IBTM Tech Watch award, go 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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