News
Mar 26, 2020
As the world faces the growing coronavirus pandemic, many of us are experiencing anxiety and fear about uncertain futures, financial hardships, and protecting ourselves and our loved ones.
To help stressed-out event professionals cope with this challenging situation, Global DMC Partners conducted a free webinar on March 24 titled, “5 Ways to Increase Your Physical and Mental Immunity During a Crisis.” This incredibly valuable presentation was led by Ela Dugan, a Boston-based personal trainer, nutritionist and life coach, who shared her insights about how to take care of yourself during… more
Mar 25, 2020
At a time when many companies are grappling with severe layoffs and figuring out how to keep things afloat until the COVID-19 crisis ends, it’s tough to talk about new hires. However, with the goal of spreading more positive news during this challenging time, here are the latest companies with people news to share. Congratulations to everyone on this list!
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (which was closed through March 31 at press time), has announced Kathleen Bernesby as director of sales for the entire complex. Together with the sales team and… more
Mar 25, 2020
IBTM Events launched a new platform this week called IBTM Connect. The online resource hub is designed as a space for business events professionals to access and share knowledge and practical guidance, increasingly relevant in today’s uncertain world.
According to IBTM officials, the launch is part of a three-step plan to connect exhibitors, hosted buyers and the wider industry as we collectively navigate the impact of COVID-19.
“We recognize that this is an unprecedented period of challenge for our industry and we’re absolutely committed to continuing to provide support and education for… more
Mar 24, 2020
If you’re an event organizer who has recently cancelled, postponed or gone virtual with your event, now’s the time to share how you’re doing with UFI and Explori. The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and the live event research specialists, respectively, are inviting event planners to participate in an international research project that aims to understand the impact of this significant disruption on attendees and exhibitors. The study will also identify best practices for future resilience.
To participate in this project, reach out to research@ufi.org or bespoke@explori.com, or… more
Mar 23, 2020
Cancelled trade shows and meetings are the harsh reality for convention centers across the country right now, but that hasn’t stopped many venues from turning their misfortune into charitable opportunities.
To help provide a little feel-good inspiration during this challenging time, read on to learn how events and venues impacted by COVID-19 are stepping up to provide immediate relief to those in-need in their local communities.
Greater Columbus Convention Center Feeds Nashville Tornado Victims
When COVID-19 virus concerns resulted in a March 5 order by the Ohio Department of Health… more
Mar 20, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has sent the travel industry into a tailspin, but there is light at the end of the tunnel—however long it may take us to get there, says Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. Here’s his take on the current situation.
How are destinations dealing with the coronavirus from a meetings business standpoint?
I think there’s never been a more collaborative effort in the industry and with all the industry players involved in meetings. What we’re realizing, as we go through this, is that knowledge is power, and we’re getting more clarity with every… more
Mar 18, 2020
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research released preliminary projections today that outline the impact that the novel coronavirus pandemic will have on the U.S. B2B exhibition industry in the coming months. According to CEIR officials, these calculations were obtained from data it collected from exhibition and event organizers who have cancelled their events.
“We have been closely monitoring the progress of COVID-19 in anticipation of how it will impact our industry for weeks,” said Cathy Breden, CEO of CEIR. “Data collection and analysis takes time, and we are pleased to have enough… more
Mar 18, 2020
Even though mergers and acquisitions activity has slowed down significantly as a result of COVID-19, Diversified Communications announced yesterday it had acquired Energy Storage North America (ESNA) from producer ESNA EXPO LLC.
The investment not only grows Diversified Communications’ portfolio of events for the renewable energy industry, but also reinforces its commitment to supporting the new energy economy.
In addition to acquiring three of the leading solar + energy storage industry events from the Intersolar portfolio last year, Diversified Communications also owns and operates a 1.… more
Mar 18, 2020
A new report from Tourism Economics shows that the impact of the coronavirus outbreak will have far-reaching consequences for the travel industry. The total economic loss is projected to translate into a total economic loss of $809 billion — more than six times worse than the world experienced post-9/11.
The report predicts that the U.S. economy will lose 4.6 million travel-related jobs as a direct result of the decline in travel, 3.6 million of which are estimated to be directly within the industry. Based on historical precedent, this will push the unemployment rate up to 6.3 percent in the… more
Mar 18, 2020
Event management solution company Aventri is partnering with three digital event providers — Digitell, Evia and Intrado Digital Media — to help customers who have had to rethink their events in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. These new offerings will provide all current Aventri customers and any event planners globally with the option to move their events to a virtual platform or to add a digital component to any event.
“Most people with events happening soon are thinking about what to do if they can’t hold events as planned,” says Jim Sharpe, CEO of Aventri. “They want to know they… 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.