Cleveland Med Mart Names Craig Thompson Head of Convention Sales
January 23, 2012
Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.'s Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center has named Craig Thompson convention sales director for the venue that is on track to open in fall 2013.
Thompson has more than 15 years of local and regional tradeshow industry experience and will be responsible for recruiting nonmedical trade shows and conventions to Cleveland MMCC, including initiating, developing and maintaining relationships with industry tenants, prospects and associations.
Thompson will work closely with Anthony Prusak, Cleveland MMCC director of convention sales, who will continue to coordinate recruitment of healthcare industry trade shows and conventions, and under the direction of Brian Casey, vice president and general manager.
"Craig Thompson brings more than 15 years of convention center and trade show industry sales and special events experience," Casey said.
He added, "During his successful tenure at the I-X Center, Craig has also proven to be successful in selling Cleveland as a tradeshow and convention destination. His sales experience, coupled with his enthusiasm for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, will be valuable assets for our team as we continue to expand our sales efforts nearing the fall 2013 opening date."
Thompson joined the Cleveland Med Mart after he previously worked as national sales manager at the International Exposition (I-X) Center in Cleveland for the past eight years.
At the I-X Center, Thompson was a member of multiple show production teams and focused his sales efforts on trade shows and corporate events, including recruiting trade shows, negotiating contracts, generating proposals and working closely with the Cleveland Airport Hotel Group.
Prior to joining the I-X Center, Thompson served as associate director of special events at the Cleveland Museum of Art and director of events at SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo.
"Within the trades how and convention industry, Cleveland MMCC is already on the radar as a future destination location, and I am delighted to join the team and expand our sales opportunities as we gear up for the opening of the facility," Thompson said.
Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.
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