Industry Veterans to Host Pop-Up Food Drive for Las Vegas Event Workers
February 5, 2021
If there’s one thing that the live events industry has continued to demonstrate over the course of its history, it’s an open-hearted willingness to help its own, particularly in times of crisis. COVID-19 has presented yet another opportunity to do just that.
Since the Las Vegas trade show industry came to a halt last March, many trade show and event workers have remained out of work and in urgent need of help, including with basics such as food. A concerned group of trade show industry companies, including the Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) Las Vegas Chapter; Metro Multimedia; Freeman; Get Fresh; Messe Dusseldorf North America, Teamsters Local 631; Three Square food bank and MAD Event Management have joined forces to answer that call.
On Feb. 13, the group will host the Las Vegas Live Events Industry Food Drive from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Designed “for trade show and event industry people by trade show and event industry people,” it will distribute free boxes of assorted food items for trade show and event workers experiencing food insecurity due to COVID-19-related job layoffs.
“Our EDPA chapter is well-versed in the importance of food security with our annual food drive, and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with other generous people in live events to help our industry family here in Las Vegas,” said Jen LaBruzz, chapter president of EDPA Las Vegas. “It’s about being able to show some love for those in our industry and say, ‘We haven’t forgotten about you.’”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Las Vegas-Henderson metro area has the unfortunate distinction of harboring one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, at 11.5% as of January 2021.
Those interested in receiving donations are asked to confidentially reserve their spot for curbside pick-up by registering here, after which a Las Vegas pick-up location will be provided.
Individuals must be prepared to show their ESCA or union badge, or industry business card upon picking up their food box.
According to Martha Donato, founder and president of MAD Event Management, the seed for this altruistic effort was planted last spring, when a group of industry veterans across all disciplines and segments started getting together to discuss ways to restart trade shows and events.
Recently, several members of the group expressed a desire to help industry members undergoing difficult times.
“We’ve been working with people from every corner of the event sector and know that the suffering from lack of work is significant,” Donato said.
This desire to assist led to a food drive that collected canned goods, nonperishable food items and fundraising efforts that resulted in more than $5,000 to purchase additional foodstuffs for industry members in need.
“We took up a collection during our regular industry-update calls, and that was the start of this effort,” Donato explained. “There’s so much more that needs to be done, but it only takes a spark to get a fire going. We’re hoping to bring awareness and action to the thousands who are unemployed in the event industry.”
If you’d like to help this life-saving effort, you can donate money to help purchase additional food items here. The Las Vegas EDPA Chapter is a 501(c)3 organization, so donations are eligible for charitable deductions. If you are in the Las Vegas area, you can help pack food boxes on Friday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. Reach out to Martha Donato at m.donato@madeventmanagement.com.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
Add new comment