Source: NBA
As one of the biggest and most anticipated sporting events of the year, NBA All-Star 2018 Los Angeles will feature a full and spectacular slate of events that will make LA the basketball city of the world. This will mark the record sixth NBA All-Star in Los Angeles, which hosted in 2011, 2004, 1983, 1972 and 1963, and the third All-Star at Staples Center, home of the L.A. Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers. Apart from bringing together the most talented and passionate players in NBA’s history, NBA will partner with AEG to host a week-long celebration full of crowd favorites such as the NBA All-Star Fan Event, Celebrity Game, NBA All-Star Practice, Legends Brunch, Rising Stars Challenge, and many more. Such a large-scale celebration and global reach will necessitate goods and services from multiple and diverse suppliers, and continuing its 16 years of commitment to social and economic inclusion, the NBA has already begun identifying women, minority, veteran, and LGBT-owned business enterprise suppliers that will bring All-Star week to life.
Photo Credit: Lindy Huang Werges
Held on March 1, 2017 LA Clippers Season Ticket Holders’ Club in Staples Center, the NBA All-Star 2018 Los Angeles Supplier Diversity Tip-Off was an invaluable opportunity for local Los Angeles businesses to learn how they can provide goods and services as diverse suppliers at NBA All-Star 2018. The event was spearheaded by Oris Stuart, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at the NBA. As someone who oversees diversity and inclusion strategies for the NBA, WNBA, and NBA Development League, Oris spoke of past NBA efforts and commitment to supplier diversity, as well as how businesses can participate in NBA All-Star 2018. Tim Harris, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Operations of Los Angeles Lakers, was also present, and said, “All we want is a fair shot and I think that’s also all you want – a fair shot.”
Oris Stuart, Senior VP of NBA
Tim Harris, COO of Los Angeles Lakers
Lee Zeidman, President of Staples Center and AEG
As with the NBA, Oris said, NBA All-Star’s calling is to “compete with intensity, lead with integrity, and inspire play.” They do so by focusing on four key elements of their game: integrity, teamwork, respect, and innovation. Their rationale is threefold: local event activation through partnering with local vendors, economic inclusion, and innovation through connecting with diverse vendors that constantly develop new ideas. As such, NBA All-Star is always looking for minority, women, veteran, or LGBT-owned business enterprises able to effectively deliver goods and services that match NBA’s targeted list of commodities. The goods and services that it will be sourcing for All-Star 2018 include Audio / Visual, event décor, entertainers, security services, printing, transportation, and many more. To participate in NBA All-Star 2018 as a diverse supplier, please submit your supplier application here.