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.
Rich Vallaster
Rich Vallaster, DES, CEM, is Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Engagement for A2Z Events by Personify. His career, deeply rooted in the events and association industry, has seen him collaborate with some of the most prominent associations, organizations, trade shows, and events. As the Center for Exhibition Industry Research Council Chair and a dedicated member of IAEE and ASAE, Rich is actively involved in shaping the industry’s future.
Todd Carruth
Todd Carruth is director of brand experience for The Expo Group, where he creates integrated marketing campaigns to share The Expo Group’s commitment to helping people perform at a higher level and guiding organizations to grow their revenues through the design and execution of compelling, memorable experiences. He co-hosts the monthly and moderately successful The Exposure Podcast and directly assists clients to translate event tech opportunities into measurable results.
Amy Kelley
Amy Kelley is the Global Digital Content Marketing Editor at GES. With a strong background in content marketing, social media and communications, she is a passionate writer and self-confessed word geek. Amy is also the founder of a non-profit and a health and wellness online community.
Tarsus’ CHINA AID Showfloor Jumps 20 Percent in Size
With China’s population aged more than 60 surpassing ¼ of a billion this year and set to add a further 10 million to its ranks every year through 2025, CHINA AID reflects the rising success of elderly care focused businesses in China and the quickly developing senior care market seeking to meet the surge in demand.
Bill McGlade
With more than a dozen years of experience in the event industry, Bill McGlade is a thought leader seeking to provide thought-provoking conversations that push the envelope and the industry forward.
Why You Must Personalize Your Attendee Experience
Personalization is one of those terms event organizers are hearing more often. It makes sense to personalize attendee experiences, for example. Exhibition and conference-goers want to be acknowledged and understood. However, there are other reasons to customize the way that customers consume an event. Event technology can make the job easier.
Delivering a Personal Experience
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.