LACC CAREER ACADEMY LAUNCHED AT GSMA MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS
New Initiative Brings High School Students to an Exciting Event
LOS ANGELES (November 22, 2021) – Earlier this Fall, the LA City Tourism Department launched the LA Convention Center (LACC) Career Academy during the GSMA MWC21 at the LACC. The program was developed in response to Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Executive Directive No. 27 on Racial Equity in City Government and aims to increase equity in career representation by inspiring the youth of historically underserved areas of Los Angeles to consider diverse, dynamic career paths. A dozen high school students from the Ambassador School of Global Leadership attended the inaugural program and talked with Mayor Eric Garcetti, toured the MWC21 exhibition hall, and met with executive leaders to learn about their career paths. There will be LACC Career Academy days at future citywide conventions at LACC.
“Los Angeles is a place where people dream and do --- a city of creativity and innovation,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “By creating opportunities for young Angelenos and helping them to expand their horizons, the LACC Career Academy is an important part of that story.”
“One of Los Angeles’ greatest strengths is the diversity of our community,” said Darren Green, Chief Sales Officer of Los Angeles Tourism. “The LACC Career Academy is an innovative option for meeting planners looking to authentically make an impact in our City of Los Angeles. This allows customers to address Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, combined with executing Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The LACC Career Academy launched at an exciting convention that brought more than 4,100 attendees together for a robust series of in-person and events, showing that a dynamic comeback story is underway for professional meetings and events in Los Angeles. Notable, more than 65% of attendees at GSMA MWC21 were senior level executives. In 2019, the GSMA’s MWC pre-pandemic event generated an economic impact of $43 million for Los Angeles.
“Every year coming to Los Angeles for MWC is a highlight on my calendar – and after moving to a virtual event in 2020, it was incredible to be back in the city in person, talking to innovative technology leaders and engaging with the North American mobile ecosystem,” said John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd.
“While of course some things were different with this year’s edition, the overwhelming feeling from the event was that it was great to be back to business. Alongside our amazing speakers, exhibitors and sponsors, I would like to extend a special thanks to Mayor Garcetti and the City of Los Angeles for a warm welcome and providing an inspirational backdrop for MWC.”
Conventions represent a significant economic impact for L.A. In 2018, citywide conventions held at LACC drew more than 400,000 attendees who booked 401,154 room nights and generated $341.7 million in direct spending.
Get ready to #PlanYourComeback and learn more at discoverlosangeles.com/meetla.
ABOUT LOS ANGELES & LOS ANGELES TOURISM
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is the non-profit destination marketing and sales organization for the Los Angeles tourism industry and the ultimate resource for where to stay and play in the L.A. area.
Los Angeles is a dynamic, ever-evolving destination – where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome. Discover the true L.A. by exploring its more than 30 culturally rich neighborhoods, each one offering a distinct vibe. L.A. is home to more than 300 days of warm sunshine, 75 miles of idyllic shoreline, more museums and performing arts venues than any other U.S. city, and an innovative culinary scene led by influential tastemakers. A global creative capital and the epicenter of the sports universe, L.A. presents limitless possibilities for visitors from around the world. For more information, visit discoverlosangeles.com, follow at facebook.com/DiscoverLosAngeles, or @discoverLA on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
