SMG Wins Fourth Public CC Bid in Past Year, Tops 14 Million Square Feet of Prime Space
November 10, 2011
In a little over one year, West Conshohocken, Pa.-based SMG has won its fourth public bid to manage the Jekyll Island Convention Center on the Georgia Coast, which is set to open in the second quarter of 2012, giving the management firm more than 14 million square feet of prime space it now oversees.
The newest win was from the Jekyll Island Authority that selected SMG among three respondents to a request for proposals for management.
Earlier this year, SMG was selected to manage Chicago’s McCormick Place Complex, the largest convention center in North America, as well as the Montego Bay Convention Centre, overlooking the Caribbean in Jamaica.
In addition, late last year, SMG was selected unanimously to manage Detroit’s Cobo Center, with major renovations helping to regain positioning of the historic venue.
“We are proud of the reputation we have built in this space, and always appreciate the municipal clients who recognize the value of our brand and our leadership team,” said Wes Westley, SMG president and CEO.
He added, “SMG has the proven experience and systems to deliver on the promise of service excellence we have built over the past 34 years.”
In all, SMG manages 68 convention venues, and, with the addition of McCormick Place and Cobo Center, SMG now manages nine of the 40 largest venues in North America, according to SMG officials.
SMG doesn’t just manage convention center, the firm also is responsible for the management and marketing of more than 220 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums and performing arts venues in nine countries.
“For years we have noted the parallels of value of the SMG brand with those of the major hotel chains,” said Gregg Caren, SMG’s senior vice president of strategic business development.
He added, “Like the Hyatt roots that launched SMG at the Superdome in 1977, we have built a very specialized hospitality focused business that understands the needs of our municipal owners, destination marketing partners and — most importantly — our national and local event planning clients that have come to trust us.”
Some of SMG’s services include venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services, as well as food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering company SAVOR, currently serving more than 100 accounts worldwide.
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.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
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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