IMEX America 2021 to Feature First-Ever Broadcast Studio for Virtual Attendees
October 29, 2021
Leave it to the IMEX Group to always make you feel like you’re part of their great big family. Event professionals unable to attend IMEX America in person this year are in luck. The group announced plans to debut IMEX BuzzHub Live, offering a unique virtual window into the world of the show, which takes place Nov. 9-11 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
“'There’s always a seat at our table’—this is our mantra, and we’ve worked to ensure IMEX America remains inclusive and available to all,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group. “As part of this, we’re launching our first-ever broadcast studio on the show floor, delivering live and bespoke content to those who are unable to join us onsite.”
In previous years, video content of IMEX America was shared through its social channels.
"This year, we're taking the opportunity to do something different, experiment and try something new," Bauer said.
Sponsored by Notified (an Intrado company), the broadcast studio is a live version of its IMEX BuzzHub, a digital platform initiative unveiled earlier this year in response to the pandemic environment to get people in the industry talking, connecting, learning and sharing experiences again. It is powered by Swapcard and designed by Smyle.
Live education, panel discussions, wellness activities and show floor highlights will be broadcast across the first two days of the show: Tuesday, Nov. 9 and Wednesday, Nov. 10. There will be four hours of free content each day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST.
IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom and Bauer will kick off IMEX BuzzHub Live at 9 a.m. PST each day. Moderator Suzanne Mulligan, IMEX’s senior community engagement manager, will then guide viewers through a packed program of content, joined along the way by event industry changemakers and business leaders.
The lineup includes IMEX America speakers such as Bob Bejan (Microsoft), Julius Solaris (Hopin), Juliet Tripp (Chemical Watch), Daniel Fox (solo wilderness explorer and author), Nicola Kastner (SAP), Greg Deshields (Tourism Diversity Matters), Sonali Nair (MPI Toronto) and Melissa Blackshear (Maritz).
Panel discussions will bring together some of these experts to discuss the latest challenges and trends bubbling up from the show floor, including event design, technology, lessons from the pandemic, diversity and the road to recovery. Roving reporters will also spotlight some of the new features and faces at the show and explore the show’s new venue, Mandalay Bay.
“While we understand not everyone will be able to join us in person, we want to be able to provide a flavor of the live event,” Bauer said. “All the content has been curated exclusively for BuzzHub Live, and there will be plenty of opportunities for viewers—wherever they are in the world—to actively engage with us through the small screen.”
IMEX America BuzzHub Live content can be accessed by registering here.
Photo: Suzanne Mulligan, BuzzHub Live Moderator and IMEX’s senior community engagement manager
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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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