Event Technology Awards Adds Metaverse and Sustainability Categories to Veteran Lineup

July 8, 2022

As the venerable Event Technology Awards (ETA) approaches its 10th anniversary this fall, two new categories based on increasingly trending industry topics were just added to the list: “Best Metaverse Experience” and “Best Sustainable Tech Solution.”

The metaverse is a hot topic in the events industry at the moment, especially when coupled with how it can best use it to enhance future events and encourage audience interaction within the virtual world, according to Adam Perry, co-founder of ETA and co-creator of Event Tech Live.

“We want to hear from event organizers who are already utilizing the metaverse and have held successful events, whether that’s in a fully virtual or hybrid format,” Perry said. “We also want to hear from agencies and platform creators who have designed their virtual platforms to enhance the overall event experience and have successfully worked with organizers to deliver an event fully or partly within the metaverse.”

Additionally, event professionals are continuing to see the role technology can play in making events more sustainable, according to Perry.

“Sustainability is a subject that all event organizers need to take seriously, and most are constantly looking for new ways in which they are able to take the sustainability of their events to the next level and measure their impact,” he said. “Many have realized over the years that tech can help them on this journey.”

For this new category, Perry said ETA would like to hear from event tech suppliers who are able to provide a solution that will add to or enhance the sustainability of an event.

Entries for the ETA will be open through July 31. Enter here via its newly updated website powered by evessio.

Winners will be awarded during a ceremony at Event Tech Live, London, scheduled for Nov. 15-17 at ExCeL, London.

The ETA has been celebrating excellence in event tech for the past 10 years, recognizing the achievements of companies delivering digital and technological solutions to the events industry at its annual Event Tech Live, London.

Meanwhile, the ETA launched an offshoot this summer, Event Technology Awards–The People, which took place June 8 during Event Tech Live, Las Vegas, the first in-person U.S. edition of the show, which was held as a virtual event for the U.S. and Canada in 2020.

ETA–The People celebrates individuals and teams who bring event tech to the table, helping to foster solutions, better practices and new ways around traditional problems.

Event Tech Live, Las Vegas was held June 7-9 at The Expo at World Market Center. The 2023 edition of the show is scheduled for April 25-27.

Both the London and Las Vegas editions are hybrid events dedicated to bringing global event professionals together to experience and discuss the latest advances in event tech, champion thought leadership and engage its community year-round. Each event features more than 100 educational sessions and more than 100 exhibitors.  

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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.