Desi Matel-Anderson

Desi Matel-Anderson is the Chief Wrangler of Field Innovation Teamand CEO of the Global Disaster Innovation Group. Desi is the first and former Chief Innovation Advisor at FEMA and Think Tank Strategic Vision Coordinator. During her tenure at FEMA, she led the first innovation team to Hurricane Sandy to provide real-time problem-solving in disaster response and recovery and ran think tanks nation-wide to cultivate innovation in communities. 

Jared Laidlaw

Jared Laidlaw is a digital marketing consultant and co-founder of Ellaw Digital, a boutique digital marketing agency. Jared helps event companies across the world achieve their attendance and ticket goals using Facebook and Google Advertising so that all the effort and stress put into event planning actually pays off.

Nick Vuoto

Nick Vuoto is an Account Executive with Concept3D, creator of immersive online experiences with 3D modeling, interactive maps and virtual tour software. Nick specializes in supporting event and hospitality clients.

Kajsa Bjoern

Kajsa (pronounced KIE-sa) Bjoern is a Trade Show Marketing Specialist at Skyline Exhibits San Diego. Originally from Sweden, Kajsa joined Skyline’s San Diego team in 2018 and has since worked to help exhibitors succeed through continuous communication, strategic planning and evaluations. 

Alesha Neely

Alesha Neely is a senior manager of operations for CES, the world’s largest and most influential tech event, which is owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association. She is the venue lead for Tech West, which includes the Sands Expo and Venetian venues. Before CTA, Alesha worked for SmithBucklin, an association management firm.

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.