U.S. Convention Centers Temporarily Suspending Events
March 16, 2020
In response to the growing health crisis in the U.S., large convention centers and hotel/casino properties across the country are temporarily suspending hosting events in an effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. This comes as the CDC issued guidance on March 15 discouraging any gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks.
Although this list is expected to grow in the coming days and weeks, here are some major facilities that have shuttered their event operations thus far:
Anaheim Convention Center
As of March 12, Anaheim Convention Center in California shut its doors along with all of the city’s major entertainment venues, including Disneyland, Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. According to city officials, the convention center will reschedule all events through the end of March.
“In a short amount of time, the city and our partners have stepped up and taken decisive action,” said Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu in a statement. “This is a temporary pause in the best interest of public health.”
Javits Center
Following Governor Andrew Cuomo’s March 12 announcement that gatherings of 500 people or more would be banned starting March 13 at 5 p.m., Javits Center officials announced the suspension of trade shows and events through April 30.
According to Javits Center officials, facility staff are working closely with event organizers to reschedule events for later this year and the facility will remain open for routine maintenance.
MGM Resorts International
On March 15, MGM Resorts International announced the suspension of operations of all of its Las Vegas properties effective March 17, with casino operations to close on March 16, followed by hotel operations.
These properties include MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Bellagio Hotel & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Park MGM, Excalibur Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, NoMad Hotel, Signature by MGM, Delano Las Vegas, New York-New York Hotel & Casino and The Mirage Resort & Casino.
The company will not be taking reservations for arrivals prior to May 1, according to MGM officials.
“Despite our commitment to dedicating additional resources for cleaning and promoting good health, while making difficult decisions to close certain aspects of our operations, it is now apparent that this is a public health crisis that requires major collective action if we are to slow its progression,” said MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren in a statement.
He continued, “This is a time of uncertainty across our country and the globe and we must all do our part to curtail the spread of this virus. We will plan to reopen our resorts as soon as it [is] safe to do so and we will continue to support our employees, guests, and communities in every way that we can during this period of closure.”
Two of MGM’s properties in Maryland and Massachusetts, MGM National Harbor and MGM Springfield, respectively, also shut down on March 15.
Wynn and Encore Las Vegas
Also on March 15, Wynn Resorts announced the temporary closure of its Wynn Las Vegas and Encore hotel and casinos effective March 17 at 6 p.m.
According to Wynn Resorts officials, the closure is expected to last for two weeks, at which point the company will re-evaluate the situation. Some employees will remain working during the closure to secure and maintain the resorts, they added.
In a press release, the company said that it is committed to paying all full-time Wynn and Encore employees during the closure. Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox released an internal video on March 14 promising to pay workers even if their part of the resorts closes, according to news reports.
“What our concern is is that we all get through this together,” he said.
Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Centre
Following Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s declaration on March 14 of a public health emergency in the state, Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in northwest Atlanta are temporarily closing their doors effective March 16-31.
According to Cobb Galleria officials, “As public assembly facilities, the risk of exposure to the virus [in our facilities] is higher. To our knowledge, none of our employees have tested positive for COVID-19. The safety and health of our guests, staff and volunteers is always of the utmost importance to us. Because the circumstances are changing daily, we will continue to communicate with you to keep you advised of our plans.”
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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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