John “Jack” Patronski to Retire From GES Next Month
May 26, 2020
GES Executive Vice President of Industry Development John “Jack” Patronski will retire from the Las Vegas-based global experiential marketing company, effective June 30.
During his 44-year career in the industry, Patronski has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours working toward its continued success. He has been active in improving labor and exhibitor rights in Chicago; and served as chairman of the board for Choose Chicago from 2007-2009 and as chairman of the board for the PCMA Foundation in 2006. He also served on the boards of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and PCMA, and was a member of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Labor Management Council. Outside the industry, he served as president of Northern Illinois University’s Alumni Association.
“Jack’s distinguished career in the exhibition and events industry extends beyond his 25 years with GES, said GES Executive Vice President of Exhibitions Jeff Quade. “His dedication to GES and the industry includes working tirelessly with clients, industry groups, labor unions and venues to help drive service and operation improvements.”
He continued, “Jack has been a major contributor to GES including early acquisitions in the U.S. and Canada, leading the national sales group, major labor negotiations service initiatives and training. We appreciate Jack’s dedication to GES, our clients and our industry, and we wish him much happiness in his well-deserved retirement.”
Outside the industry, Patronski served as president of Northern Illinois University’s Alumni Association and was recognized for his leadership by IAEE, CEIR, Exhibition Services and Contractors Association and the PCMA Foundation as a recipient of their Visionary, Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I have been fortunate to enjoy a very fulfilling career, learning and working in partnership with clients and colleagues, and making new friends throughout the world,” said Patronski. “Though my plan for retirement has been in the works for some time, my departure comes with mixed emotions as I reflect on the people, projects and initiatives that made my career so rewarding.”
Patronski began his events career in 1976 as director of operations for Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. In 1978, he joined Andrews Bartlett, which GES acquired in 1993.
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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