New Association for Women in Events Launches
May 4, 2015
A new association for women who are in the events industry, aptly called the Association of Women in Events, recently launched to connect and empower women in the meetings and events industry.
Founded by Carrie Abernathy, Tamela Blalock, Mas Tadesse Harris, Mary Higham and Kiki Janssens, AWE is a national association based in Washington, D.C., and officially launched March 30.
“This organization fills a need," said Carrie Abernathy, AWE Co-Founder. “There are a lot of resources out there, but it's difficult to find anything specifically geared towards women. AWE empowers a thirsty community; a community that should feel like home.”
The association serves as a collaborative community for women to share innovative ideas, build powerful professional relationships and advance careers. The organization is for seasoned industry leaders, as well as tomorrow's leaders, according to the association founders.
AWE looks to integrate, support and engage with existing industry organizations and build long-term collaborative relationships.
Both men and women can join the social network forum. AWE wants men to be a part of these conversations to support women in the workplace and beyond.
“Whether you are male, female, supplier, vendor, organizer, young professional, or seasoned veteran, we need you!,” said Mary Higham, AWE co-founder.
She added, “The Association of Women in Events mission and purpose is to serve the entire events industry and we need your valuable input in order to make this a success.”
In July 2015, AWE plans to launch the inaugural Board of Directors, who will direct membership, scholarships, events and education decisions for the association. Applications for Board of Directors are immediately being accepted at http://www.womeninevents.org/.
“What a wonderful opportunity to be the change we want to see in the world, than to stand on the sidelines and just wish for it," said Tamela Blalock, AWE co-founder.
For membership information and resources, go to www.womeninevents.org/membership.html
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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