It is certainly one of the most unique and impactful ways I have heard of to convey a company’s diversity and inclusion, sustainability, community and engagement, and philanthropic message. What I am referring to is “Inspiring Our World,” a musical performance that will be put on by 70 MGM Resorts International employees from December 16 to 18 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. A total of 45,278 MGM Resorts International employees will see one of the nine scheduled 90-minute performances. Perhaps something like this could only happen in Las Vegas?
I spoke with Patty Coaley, the originator of the Inspiring Our World concept, and she told me 127 MGM Resorts International employees auditioned to be in the musical. Performers will include employees representing just about every job title in the company—from card dealers to accountants to concierges. Coaley said that many of her company’s employees at one time were performers in Las Vegas so it has not been difficult to find participants.
Inspiring Our World will “feel a bit like Lion King,” says Coaley, director of diversity training at MGM Resorts International. It will have an African Safari-inspired theme. The musical will take attendees on a journey through the company’s mission statement and various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. It will challenge employees to do better in the area of CSR.
Motivational Message
“Professionally, the time is now to deliver a message like this to employees,” Coaley says. “I know the musical is going to touch people’s lives.”
At the end of each of the nine performances, Jim Murren, chairman & CEO of MGM Resorts International, will talk about his plans to expand the company’s diversity and inclusion, sustainability, community and engagement, and philanthropy programs. He will also issue a call to action to employees.
Inspired by Another Performance
How did Inspiring Our World come to be? Coaley, tasked with the challenge of bringing the CSR message to front line employees, told me she attended a show about a year ago that inspired her to create the musical.
“Inspiring Our World is an amazing fit for our company,” Coaley says.
If a video of Inspiring Our World becomes available, I will be sure to link to it. In the meantime, be sure to let me know how your organization has similarly used theater to motivate and educate your employees about diversity and inclusion, sustainability, community and engagement, and philanthropy. I can be reached at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Planning Advertising for the 2012 or 2013?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2012 and 2013. Many excellent spots are available on the website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2012 or 2013 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. A media kit can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Social Networking Sites
Green Lodging News now has 1,236 Twitter followers. Thank you to all of those who follow our tweets. In addition to following us on Twitter, be sure to bookmark the Green Lodging News Blog in your browser. More importantly, participate with your comments. Green Lodging News is also on Facebook. Be sure to “Like” us there. Green Lodging News now has 345 Facebook followers.
As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
