UFI Updates Sustainability Projects and Initiatives Database
January 29, 2020
UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – has updated its database of initiatives and projects from the exhibition industry that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations (which TSNN originally reported on here).
This resource, which was initiated by the UFI Working Group on Sustainability and put together in collaboration with Greenview, a member of this working group, showcases work done by organizers, venues and service providers. It was. The concept was also shared for use by the Joint Meetings Industry Council to expand the compilation to other segments of the event industry.
A collection of 25 case studies are compiled in a new report, “The Exhibition Industry and the UN SDGs: Connecting People, Multiplying Impact.” These submissions cover 14 countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands, the U.K. and the U.S. Each contribution falls in one of the three categories:
- Exhibition Theme: How the theme of the exhibition contributes to the SDGs
- Exhibition Operation: How the operator of the exhibition contributes to the SDGs
- Company’s Operations: How a company’s operations contribute to the SDGs
In this collection of 25 case studies, five leading areas of best practices for the exhibition industry were identified:
- Spreading awareness about SDGs and advancing sustainable industries
- Taking consumption seriously and prioritizing local suppliers
- Combating waste with collaborative efforts
- Stipulating environmental terms in contracts
- Unveiling the secret to affordable and clean energy
Of these submissions, 68 percent cited a contribution to SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production. This included taking actions such as purchasing from local suppliers where possible, reducing the usage of single-use plastic, and reducing food waste through composting or redistribution.
“Making our industry more sustainable in all aspects of the word is vital not only for our future but is also a moral obligation to the survival of our planet,” said UFI President Mary Larkin. “The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework where all businesses can show their respective contributions, and UFI is very happy to position the exhibition industry in this exercise.”
UFI’s 9th Forum on Sustainable Development, a special event on the issue scheduled in Paris for May 13-15, will include discussions with experts on UNSDGs.
To learn more about the SDGs and to read the 25 case studies, go 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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