Louisville Hosts Hybrid Event for Planners to Highlight Capabilities, Safety Measures
November 3, 2020
With more and more planners looking at a hybrid model for their meetings, Louisville Tourism and its industry partners showcased their ability to host such an event while also highlighting the work they’ve done as a city to welcome guests back safely. Held on Oct. 29, Barreling Ahead brought together 35 attendees at Kentucky International Convention Center, with an additional 100 joining virtually.
Currently, all Louisville hotels are open to guests, and event venues and restaurants are allowed to host groups at 50 percent capacity. “Louisville is ready to welcome business to our city,” said Doug Bennett, senior vice president of convention development for Louisville Tourism.
The half-day event Oct. 29 highlighted the city’s latest health and safety plans and the new cleaning standards being implemented at its major event venues. Both KICC and Kentucky Exposition Center, which fall under the Kentucky Venues umbrella, have achieved GBAC STAR accreditation after implementing strict protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention.
“The health and safety of our guests, clients and employees continues to be our highest priority, and both facilities have been recognized for consistently demonstrating this commitment,” said David Beck, president and CEO of Kentucky Venues.
The event also featured a series of education sessions, including one with David DuBois, president and CEO of the IAEE, that looked at the future of the meetings industry during COVID-19. Breakouts focused on sporting events in today’s climate; healthy hybrid events; attendance building; and a session on the important topics of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“The double punch of COVID alongside the social justice movement has allowed us to rise to these challenges,” said Karen Williams, president and CEO of Louisville Tourism. “As Louisville’s Muhammad Ali once said, ‘There’s nothing wrong with getting knocked down, as long as you get right back up.’ Louisville is up and ready to show the progress we’ve made in both spaces to welcome guests and ensure Louisville is a safe environment to host meetings.”
In hybrid fashion, the event concluded with a virtual tour of Louisville’s 4th Street Live! downtown entertainment venue followed by lunch in KICC’s spacious pre-function area for in-person attendees.
Get information on holding meetings in Louisville here.
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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