Grady Social Impact & Sustainability Summit 2025
Background
The Grady Health System hosted its inaugural summit which served as a platform to highlight how diverse suppliers and Grady leadership are advancing sustainable, equitable business practices across healthcare and infrastructure. With an emphasis on community impact, economic empowerment, and inclusive procurement, this free event welcomed 250 attendees, including government leaders, corporate partners, and local entrepreneurs.
AE’s Solutions & Results
- Aligned with Grady’s rebranding of the event from "Supplier Diversity & Equity" to “Social Impact & Sustainability.”
- Developed and finalized the program, integrated video drops, and coordinated all stage transitions and keynote moments.
- Managed communication, registration, and seating assignments for over 15 high-profile speakers and VIP guests.
- Oversaw set-up and logistics for 15+ vendor tables featuring internal departments and external suppliers.
- Designed volunteer roles, coordinated AM/PM shifts, and managed pre-event instructions.
- Created signage, badges, run-of-show and branded swag bags with sustainable giveaways (water bottles, notebooks, lunch containers).
- Produced an 8 minute cinematic tribute to Mr. Michael Hollis
- Provided videography and photography for visual storytelling
Event Results
- High-Impact Programming
- The summit featured powerful panels, a fireside chat with regional economic leaders, and a moving tribute to Michael Hollis.
- Community & Supplier Engagement
- Diverse vendors, Grady departments, and major contractors connected through curated vendor tables and breakout interactions which strengthened business relationships and supplier visibility.
- VIP Recognition & Legacy Moments
- The event featured the family of the late Mr. Michael Hollis (a “Grady Baby,” & former Grady Board Member well known for his trailblazing accomplishments in the aviation industry.
- Grady’s leadership, past mayors, and civil rights giants were also in attendance.
- Branded, Sustainable Guest Experience
- Guests received thoughtfully designed swag, enjoyed plant-based meal options, and participated in an experience that reflected both innovation and Grady’s deep community roots.
Challenges
- Speaker slide submissions were delayed, impacting final edits and transitions.
- Volunteer recruitment and coordination required follow-ups and clearer commitments.
- Several VIP confirmations came in late, which affected program seating adjustments.
Tips
- Set hard deadlines for speaker materials and reinforce them in weekly follow-ups.
- Develop a simple volunteer registration form with shift selections and contact info.
- Assign a dedicated Speaker Liaison to manage communications, media assets, and program flow.
Event Details
Client: Grady Health Systems
Location: Loudermilk Center, Atlanta, GA
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Event Type: Professional Summit
Target Audience: Healthcare Professionals & Grady Leadership
