AMERICAS - Meetings tradeshow IMEX America 2012 achieved 63 per cent compliance with the APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Event Standards, Level One, according to its audited sustainability results compiled by its sustainability partner MeetGreen.
IMEX Group said the report serves as a benchmark for future IMEX America shows and provides a transparent example of what the exhibition and events industry can do on sustainability and CSR practices.
Key results from the report, include:
- 87.5 per cent of exhibit waste from the Sands Expo and Convention Center was diverted from landfills
- 40 per cent of food served at the Venetian/Palazzo Hotel and the Sands Expo met sustainability criteria
- 12 tonnes of organic and service waste was composted by the Venetian/Palazzo Hotel and Sands Expo
- 94 per cent of the total carpet on the show floor was reused from previous events
- 63 staff and attendee volunteer hours were donated to serve Las Vegas not-for-profit organisations – Clean the World, Opportunity Village and Shade Tree. US$5,000 was also raised for Opportunity Village and Shade Tree through the IMEX Badge Back Programme
- 1,861 kilos of show food and exposition materials were donated to local charities
- Working with Clean the World, attendees sorted used hotel soaps and bottled amenities for recycling and donation and 300 hygiene kits were donated to the Shade Tree.
"Creating a more sustainable show is a long road but a worthwhile one," said CEO of the IMEX Group, Carina Bauer. "It takes plans and processes but more importantly people across every role, job and vested organisation to make change happen. Learning and bumps are all part of the experience, as sustainability is never truly 'finished'. It's exciting to see our industry working towards stronger stewardship and to be part of such progressive actions."
Business at IMEX America 2012 was worth US$3.3bn, the show's organiser claimed.
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