Management Firms Spargo, SmithBucklin Both Score New Medical-related Contracts
February 23, 2016
Meeting management firm Spargo has been on a hot streak recently, kicking off 2016 with several new business contracts signed, along with other companies that have added clients to their busy portfolios.
The International Council of Ophthalmology appointed SPARGO, Inc. as their exhibit and sponsorship sales and management firm for the 2018 World Ophthalmology Congress, on tap June 16-19 in Barcelona.
This gathering of international ophthalmologists occurs every two years, attracting upwards of 15,000 attendees from more than 130 countries.
“One of the primary reasons we selected SPARGO is their extensive experience managing major healthcare association meetings,” said William C. Felch, Jr., ICO’s CEO.
He added, “With SPARGO, you will benefit from working with an experienced team of event management professionals who will partner with the International Council of Ophthalmology to recommend new initiatives and fresh ideas for the exhibit hall and corporate support opportunities associated with the WOC.”
The American Geophysical Union, based in Washington, D.C., also appointed SPARGO as their meeting management services partner for their AGU Fall Meeting, along with several other mid- and small-size meetings, starting in 2016.
SPARGO will provide a full suite of services to AGU including: registration, lead retrieval, and housing services; exposition and sponsorship sales, marketing and management services and meeting logistics services.
Lauren Parr, AGU’s director of meetings said that “AGU is dedicated to improving our attendees’ event experiences and to creating new opportunities for the Earth and space community to engage around scientific meetings. SPARGO is an idea partner to support us in achieving those ambitious goals, and we are excited to be working with them.”
In March 2016, SPARGO will assume responsibility for the management of the AORN Surgical Conference & Expo.
The AORN Surgical Conference & Expo is the world’s largest gathering of perioperative registered nurses.
In preparation for the 2017 onsite sales process, SPARGO and AORN will meet prior to the 2016 conference in Anaheim to develop a new floor plan meant to stimulate traffic through the exhibit hall and provide improved visibility of smaller exhibitors.
The exhibit hall will continue to host simulation theatres, a career fair, networking zones, and exhibitor provided education. The 2017 program will be held in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Northeast boasts the largest concentration of health care providers in the United States. Holding the conference in this region makes it affordable and convenient for both domestic and international perioperative nurses to attend.
Increased attendance and corporate support is anticipated following what promises to be a banner year in Anaheim.
Attendance is surging for this year’s conference where more than 400 companies will be exhibiting, 20 percent of which are new to the event this year.
“We will focus on exhibitor satisfaction, improved ROI, and show growth. Our short and long term plans include the addition of an interactive product showcase available before, during, and after the event, and enhanced exposure for the exposition on the conference Web site,” said Susan Bracken, president and CEO at SPARGO.
SmithBucklin, an association management and services company, was chosen by The American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT) to provide full-service association management.
SmithBucklin's Erin Butler will serve as AmSECT's executive director, and the society's headquarters will be in Chicago.
Founded in 1964, AmSECT is the largest professional society in the world for cardiopulmonary perfusionists. These healthcare professionals operate the machine that does the work of a patient's heart and lungs during a surgical procedure in which the heart is stopped.
AmSECT's mission is to foster improved patient care and safety by providing for the continuing education and professional needs of the extracorporeal circulation technology community. The society has more than 1,900 members throughout the world.
"We are impressed with the SmithBucklin team, particularly its principle-based philosophy and its dedication to supporting healthcare and scientific volunteer organizations," said Jeffrey B. Riley, MHPE, CCP, AmSECT's president.
He added, "We believe this new partnership will help us provide exemplary service to the society's members and meet our growth objectives to serve more members of the perfusion community."
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
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Protecting Natural Resources
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Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & 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 offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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