Networking a first resort for MGM ’ s roving ambassador
Stephanie Selesnick meets MGM Resorts International ’ s executive director of city-wide sales , Steve Walker
teve Walker is the
S executive director of city-wide sales for MGM Resorts International . He began his career in Philadelphia before moving to Las Vegas in 2001 as director of sales at the Sands Expo . He has been with MGM Resorts since 2009 where he led the sales efforts at both Mandalay Bay and Bellagio before taking on his current role . He ’ s married to wife Lori , and they have a son and a daughter .
I thought Steve would be an interesting person to interview as he ’ s a US exhibition / hospitality executive who is relatively new to the international side of the business . Before his first international event in London in 2019 , the UFI Global CEO Summit , US-based events including SISO , IAEE , and others , were his
‘ normal ’ for over 20 years .
Since then , he ’ s been to the UFI CEO Summit in Rome and the UFI Global Congresses in Bangkok , Thailand ( 2019 ) and Rotterdam , Netherlands in November this year .
SS : What are some learnings you ’ ve gained since attending international industry events ? SW : For me personally , it ’ s great to visit other countries I ’ ve never been to , and it opened my eyes to international organisers and how they work . It ’ s different than in the US . Since our company continues to branch out internationally , it ’ s been interesting to learn about different exhibition business models , including the German Messe model of being both a show organiser and venue owner .
Top : Steve Walker Bottom : Blessed travelling
Just as when I started 20 years ago in the US , it takes time to develop relationships – the more people see you at these events , the more recognisable you become , and the deeper the relationships that develop . It ’ s a process and takes time . Patience is very important . Additionally , being from Las Vegas and the global recognition the city enjoys has helped when meeting people at international events .
I also knew a few people from the US ( including you ) and the UFI team were great about introducing me to other attendees .
SS : If someone in our business from the US is planning to take their business international , what are a couple of things you would advise them to do ? SW : One of the great things about going to UFI ’ s events is that there are several consulting firms there , who can really help you expand to different regions of the globe . They can also help launch shows or other businesses . One can lean on these folks to help guide the way . They are always very interested in what ’ s going on within our portfolio .
SS : MGM Resorts International is looking to branch out to Japan . Can you share anything about it ? SW : We ’ re really excited about the new integrated resort opportunity with our joint-venture partner ORIX in Osaka , Japan . Osaka ’ s selection of the MGM-ORIX consortium marks an important step in MGM ’ s long-term bid to develop one of Japan ’ s first integrated resorts .
SS : What ’ s your best experience been to date travelling overseas for business ? SW : Coolest thing ever was meeting the Pope at the UFI Global CEO Summit in Rome pre-pandemic . Memorable doesn ’ t even come close ! Having these kinds of opportunities doesn ’ t happen when you sit home at your desk .
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