San Diego Convention Center Will Implement ESCA's WIS Badge Program
July 10, 2017
Instead of nine different credentials for workers to use in order to move around in the San Diego Convention Center, the venue now will have just one credential - the ESCA Exhibition Industry Worker Identification System WIS Badge.
“We are pleased to announce that the San Diego Convention Center is now the 17th U.S. venue to implement the ESCA Worker Identification System (WIS),” said Mitt Arnaudet, WIS National Administrator and ESCA Member Services Director.
He added, “We are in discussions with many other facilities and will be announcing the 18th venue later this month.”
ESCA is the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association and has instituted the WIS badge in several facilities across the United States.
“There are currently nine different credentials accepted for people working in the center and it leads to various problems that result in a negative impact to facility security,” said San Diego Convention Center Corp. officials. “Therefore, the SDCCC has begun to take steps to simplify this practice and bring us in line with other industry leaders as it relates to credentialing workers.”
The WIS badge will begin going into effect Aug. 1 at the San Diego Convention Center, according to SDCCC officials.
This new program will allow building officials to enhance the overall security of the center for its licensees and guests by drastically reducing the number of credentials accepted which will make security personnel much more effective at their jobs.
The WIS Badge not only is a proven system, as it is currently in use by sixteen (16) facilities nationwide, but each badge also is reasonably priced, costing about $18 for ESCA member full time employees and $25 for all others every three years, according to SDCCC officials.
In order to remain flexible during this transition, the SDCCC will continue to provide temporary photo ID badges at security at a cost of $5.
These badges will be good for the run of the event and will expire afterwards. This nominal fee is intended to encourage a move to the WIS Badge system and recuperate costs of materials and time for our staff.
Here are key dates in the transition process:
- Mid-June 2017: Letter notifications sent to all contractor partners and exhibitor appointed contractors EACs) after the official announcement
- July 1, 2017: Each worker who checks in at Security will be provided with informational handouts that contain WIS Badge information and frequently asked questions
- August 1, 2017: Convention Center Security will begin charging a $5 fee for each temporary contractor badge made.
- January 1, 2018: All contractors, suppliers, vendors, and EACs who work in the facility must be identified with the WIS Badge or the credential issued by the SDCCC.
All companies should go online to https://wis.esca.org for a complete overview of the process involved in registering for the badges.
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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