IMEX-GMIC (Green Meeting Industry Council) Green Meetings Future Leaders Forum sets green agenda for next generation
| As part of their sustainability partnership, IMEX America and MeetGreen® have now agreed the details of a sustainability plan for the new trade show for the international meetings, incentive travel and events industry, which debuts October 11-13 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.
Specialist consultants in sustainable meetings management, MeetGreen® have been tasked with advising on a series of measures that can be implemented to enhance sustainable performance across all aspects of the trade show. |
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| As noted by Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO: “Our intention is to use this first year to benchmark our performance. The first year goal is to collect baseline information from our various venues and vendors and to use that data to build a solid sustainability strategy over the long-term. | Watch the Future Leaders Forum video |
Detailed sustainability plan
The full sustainability plan covers the trade show venue, hotels, catering, print material, signage and carpeting, general service contractors and transportation. Some of the key measures at IMEX America will include Energy Star lighting plans; recycling of copper, aluminium, brass and heavy metals including extension cords and power supply cards plus recycling and reuse of waste wood, metal, plastic, cardboard, drywall, carpet padding, concrete, asphalt and glass. Electronic products will be donated to The Blind Center of Nevada, whilst leftover food product will be donated to the Las Vegas Mission every day. Through the Sands Expo, IMEX will also work with 209 local vendors, which will help to keep transportation emissions low and support the local economy.
Bauer continued: “IMEX America is committed to educating the meeting, incentive travel and events industry about sustainability issues and addressing these in a proactive, measured way. At IMEX America we will also have a Sustainability Center – powered by GMIC – where attendees will be able to pick up ‘green’ tips and best practice, as well as meeting experts and attending drop-in workshops.
“Through our sustainability plan, our intention is to develop a long-term relationship with our exhibitors, attendees, venues and vendors that will help build a successful show and increase our sustainability efforts for the future. We consider this a keystone in our strategy as a progressive organization at the heart of the global meetings industry.”
“Many of the key suppliers on this project have been receptive to seeing where they can improve or enhance their sustainability practices for this show. Their willingness to engage in this way presents some fascinating learning opportunities and wonderful stories to share,” comments Amy Spatrisano, Principal, MeetGreen®
The IMEX Group already has a long-term partnership with the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC), the premier global community solely dedicated to sustainability in the meetings and events industry.
‘Green’ Future Leaders Forum
Of the work that IMEX and GMIC cooperate on, one of the most important initiatives is the annual Green Meetings Future Leaders Forum. This event is designed to offer talented young students the chance to gain an unrivalled insight into how to build a successful career and to educate them on the green practices likely to shape their future careers and the industry as a whole.
Taking place on Sunday 20 February 2011 in Portland, Oregon, as part of the GMIC Sustainable Meetings Conference, this year’s participating students learned about strategic meetings management together with current sustainability frameworks and standards.
Carina Bauer concluded: “Our Future Leaders Forums are a joint initiative between MPI (Meeting Professionals International) and IMEX. They represent a possible life-changing experience for many of the students that take part. Most come away with the knowledge and experience that sets them apart from the crowd when looking for that all important break-through into their dream job. The fact that our partnership with GMIC also gives us the scope to teach the next generation about green meetings is vitally important to the future health and growth of the industry worldwide.”
The first IMEX-MPI Future Leaders Forum during IMEX America will take place on October 12 and 13 2011. The Forum is one of 13 Future Leader Forums taking place worldwide each year.
For more about the Future Leaders Forum and to watch the video: http://www.imexamerica.com/futureleadersforum.html
For more environmental information about IMEX America and its partners see: http://www.imexamerica.com/sustainability.html
