Apr 21, 2021
Even though big gatherings still aren’t allowed in most U.S. cities, that hasn’t stopped sustainably minded event organizations, hospitality companies and venues from finding ways to celebrate the 51st edition of Earth Day. Held on April 22, the event’s theme this year is “Restore Our Earth.”
The global event will be primarily digital for the second year in a row but will offer a plethora of Earth Day activities available to those wishing to participate. Take a look at how our industry is celebrating and who knows, maybe you’ll feel inspired to create your own eco-friendly event or join one… more
Apr 14, 2021
For event professionals who are passionate about sustainability, this past year has raised some concerns about the future of green events. As the trade show and meetings industry begins to recover, and with event budgets tighter than ever, will anyone care enough about sustainability to help the cause or will green practices end up on the bottom rung of importance? And with many events using chemical cleaning agents to keep participants safe from possible virus spread, how do eco-minded event planners reconcile this not-always-green operating procedure with creating an environmentally… more
Apr 22, 2020
With the events industry focused on COVID-19 recovery, discussions around the role that sustainable events play in helping to stop an even bigger long-term threat — climate change — have taken a back seat. But during the virtual Global Meetings Industry Day on April 15, sustainability experts Mariela McIlwraith, director of industry advancement for the Events Industry Council, and Courtney Lohmann, director of corporate social responsibility for PRA Business Events, focused on the extreme importance of event sustainability going forward.
Just in time for Earth Day, which celebrates its 50th… more
Mar 04, 2020
We recently wrote about why event industry organizations should implement green teams — cross-functional groups that identify and implement ways to help the organization operate in a more environmentally sustainable fashion.
While a green team might typically be internal to one specific organization or venue, in the events world, the best results come from extending those teams to encompass all key stakeholders responsible for executing a specific event. In many cases, while these green teams are still voluntary, the responsibilities are seen as being part of the job function and may not… more
Feb 17, 2020
As the importance of lessening the environmental impact of meetings, trade shows and events only continues to grow, here’s what two Midwestern convention centers are doing to help make sustainable planning easier.
McCormick Place
With nearly 3 million visitors each year, McCormick Place, North America’s largest convention center, has a large environmental footprint. However, for more than a decade, the 2.6 million-square-foot facility has been actively creating a more sustainable campus. In the last few months, the campus has taken two major steps forward.
With installation of the… more
Feb 17, 2020
Sustainable practices are fast becoming a must for events. According to the Eventbrite 2020 Event Trends report, 59 percent of North American event professionals are taking steps to improve the environmental impact of their events — up from a mere 6 percent in 2019.
Additionally, an overwhelming majority — or 93 percent — of hosted buyers and visitors who attended IMEX 2018 said they are interested in planning events in a more sustainable matter, according to post-event survey results.
One of the ways corporations, associations, event venues and suppliers are codifying those intentions is… more
Feb 07, 2020
When Natural Products Expo Group Show Director Lacey Gautier joined New Hope Network (now a division of Informa Markets) more than eight years ago, the two natural products trade shows she now oversees had already established their fair share of extensive sustainability practices. In fact, Natural Products Expo East and West have been quietly reducing their environmental footprint since the early ’90s – long before event sustainability was in vogue. Since then, the show has built upon a strong foundation and expanded its sustainability program, an effort in which Gautier has played a key part… more
Jan 29, 2020
UFI – the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – has updated its database of initiatives and projects from the exhibition industry that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations (which TSNN originally reported on here).
This resource, which was initiated by the UFI Working Group on Sustainability and put together in collaboration with Greenview, a member of this working group, showcases work done by organizers, venues and service providers. It was. The concept was also shared for use by the Joint Meetings Industry Council to expand the compilation to… more
Dec 16, 2019
Ask anyone involved in the green events movement if they’re finding it challenging to move the needle forward on sustainability and you’ll probably see a row of hands, including those of Ryan Harvey, sustainability manager at Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. A former educator, Harvey understands the perfect balance of relaying key facts while making them interesting and easily digestible, a skill he brought with him when he stepped into his role at the OCC almost three years ago.
TSNN sat down with Harvey to get his thoughts on the sustainability movement and what it’s like to… more
Nov 25, 2019
Earlier this month, MGM Resorts International launched a standards-driven social impact program called “Focused on What Matters: People, Community and Planet” that outlines the company’s vision for a sustainable future through environmental and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Through its impact on various aspects of the company’s operations, the program will also make it easier for planners to create meetings and events that reflect the sustainability goals and corporate values of their organizations.
The new program is in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and… more
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.