ICUEE is now The Utility Expo, Reflecting Plan for Future of the Show
May 6, 2020
The show known as ICUEE, the industry-leading event for utility professionals and construction contractors, will have a new name and look in 2021. Now dubbed The Utility Expo, the biennial trade show known for its equipment test drives and interactive product demonstrations will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, next year from Sept. 28-30.
According to officials with the Association of Equipment Managers (who own and produce the show), this all-inclusive name better reflects The Utility Expo experience: an event that introduces professionals from all utility sectors to the new equipment, ideas and innovations they need to do their jobs better.
“Over the years, ICUEE has become the utility industry’s premier platform for growth, and we are continuously looking for new ways to help the show deliver even more value for top manufacturers, service providers and utility professionals,” explained John Rozum, show director. “That starts with the new name: The Utility Expo.”
The show’s humble origins date back to the mid-1960s, when Illinois Bell invited a dozen trencher manufacturers to demonstrate equipment together in a field in Elburn, Illinois. Since that time, the show’s demonstration concept has been a defining characteristic of the event—and one that will continue to improve in the next evolution of the show.
“We listened to our attendees and exhibitors and are building an industry event to help them grow their businesses,” said Dave Hughes, vice president of global sales for McElroy Manufacturing, and The Utility Expo 2021 show chair.
He continued, “We are focused on continuing to improve the overall experience for all show participants and have some very exciting changes in store for 2021. Our new name reflects our commitment and focus on the utility industry.”
Rozum added, “While the name has changed, everything our exhibitors and attendees love about the show will remain the same, or get even better starting in 2021.”
The Utility Expo is set to take place at the Kentucky Exposition Center. In past years, the show has attracted more than 19,000 utility professionals and construction contractors from some 60 countries, and featured more than 30 acres of new products from 1,000 exhibitors. Learn more about the show 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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