How to Do Business with Empire City Casino & MGM National Harbor: Procurement Opportunities, Supplier Connections & Community Partners
October 6 | 12 pm to 1 pm EST | Virtual
Interested in doing business with Empire City Casino & MGM National Harbor?
Join WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV for a virtual session with the teams from Empire City Casino & MGM National Harbor to learn how their procurement process works and what suppliers should know when pursuing opportunities with MGM Resorts. Attendees will hear directly from MGM Resorts representatives about what they buy, current procurement opportunities, purchasing and RFP processes, vendor requirements, supplier registration, and best practices for working with their teams. You will also hear from community partners about resources, certifications, and relationships that can help businesses strengthen their connections to corporate procurement opportunities.
What You’ll Learn:
• Procurement opportunities with Empire City Casino & MGM National Habor
• Categories of goods and services
• Purchasing and RFP processes
• Vendor onboarding and supplier requirements
• Best practices for prospective suppliers
• How to register your business in their supplier database
• The role of certifications in supplier opportunities
• Resources and connections available through community partners
Attendees will have an opportunity to hear directly from MGM and participating community partners during Q&A and learn how to stay connected after the program. Whether you are interested in becoming an MGM Resorts supplier, learning more about upcoming procurement opportunities, or strengthening the relationships that can help connect your business to corporate opportunities, this session will give you practical information and direct access to the people involved in the process.
Register Now
Presenters
Tobias Thornwell, Director of Global Business Impact, MGM Resorts International
Tobias leads supplier inclusion strategies across regional properties, ensuring alignment with corporate and local diversity goals. With more than 22 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management, Tobias is a recognized advocate for business diversity and was honored with WBEC Greater DMV’s Outstanding Women’s Business Advocate Award in 2023.
Mohamed Hafizur, Purchasing Manager, Empire City Casino
Mohamed oversees procurement, vendor sourcing, and global business impact at Empire City Casino. With more than 40 years of experience in hospitality and 23 years in purchasing, he brings extensive industry expertise. He holds degrees in Accounting and Economics and a C.P.D. certification from Cornell University.
Deborah Robinson, Procurement Manager, MGM National Harbor
Deborah Robinson serves as Procurement Manager for MGM National Harbor, where she leads procurement strategy and oversees vendor sourcing, purchasing, contract management, and Requests for Proposals and Quotes. With more than 30 years of purchasing and supply chain management experience, Deborah works to expand opportunities for certified diverse and local suppliers while advancing MGM National Harbor’s procurement goals in Maryland and Prince George’s County.
LaVonia Smith-Carter, Strategic Sourcing Partner, MGM National Harbor
LaVonia Smith-Carter serves as Strategic Sourcing Partner for MGM National Harbor, where she oversees vendor gaming and business certification compliance, manages supplier relationships, and supports procurement activities. With experience across hospitality, operations, and purchasing, LaVonia works with local and small businesses to navigate compliance requirements, identify procurement opportunities, and connect their capabilities with MGM National Harbor’s operational needs.