No One Wants to Hang Onto a Gorilla: How IMEX Reduced Waste and You Can Too

November 24, 2013

When there is a 5,835 pound gorilla in the room, what do you do? Remember on Seinfeld when George knocked the clown over running out of a room that caught fire? That’s pretty much what I’d be doing …

That happens to be the same reaction you get from many show organizers, exhibitors, facilities, and yes … even service contractors, when there is a pile of old exhibit signage, banners and panels from past shows that aren’t being used any more.

That’s not the case at IMEX America. IMEX chooses to face the gorilla down. At the close of the show, just when everyone is at their peak of exhaustion, they motivate their team and vendors to start unpacking and reviewing all old material. Why? Because there’s a lot of good material that can be donated to worthy organizations. IMEX leads by example first – then sends the message to their exhibitors.

Green has always been an important part of the IMEX message but never more important than now. They encourage exhibitors to practice sustainability through “Green Goals” and joining a “Green Team.” They found that exhibitors love to join causes; it empowers them and they feel like they aren’t just throwing their money at something, but are actually a part of making a difference.

Here’s how IMEX America encouraged exhibitors to help them achieve their green goals:

1. Join the Green Team. Meet pre-set qualifications that show your commitment to sustainability. Action counts!

2. Use the recycling bins for USB sticks, brochures, signage, floral, or if you are unsure – just drop it off!


3. Mail unused brochures and other materials back to their office. Better yet – only bring what you need.


4. Participate in a “badge back” program to support local charities in the Las Vegas area, host city of IMEX 2013. Each ‘donated’ badge triggers a financial donation to a local good cause and the badges themselves are also reused.

5. Help with IMEX America’s Clean the World initiative at the show to recycle hotel soaps and shampoos into hygiene kits. These are gifted to local causes (no freight costs or environmental impacts!)


6. Consider carbon-offsetting their travel to Las Vegas.


7. Exchange a “standard booth package” for the GES sustainable booth option. This not only includes the booth structure but all the furniture, carpet, and wastebaskets.


8. Opt for sustainable catering in their booth.

My favorite actually isn’t on the list. It’s called the IMEX Challenge which takes place every two years. This year started 2014’s Shade Tree shelter project. The Challenge will call on members of the meetings and events industry to help with the landscaping, materials, and construction of a new healing garden for the Shade Tree shelter for women, children and their pets in Las Vegas.

GES was honored to be a sponsor of this project, and I was amazed at what this meant to the families in need. By the way, if you are wondering if this was a success or not? There was a second slightly larger 5,900 lb. gorilla sitting next to the first. His name was “exhibitor donations.”

A side note: IMEX America benchmarks its sustainable performance against the APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Event Standards, Level 1*. Last year, with the help of exhibitors, partners and suppliers, IMEX America achieved 63 percent compliance. Once audited, results are in for 2013, organizers hope to have matched or even exceeded these results.

Well done IMEX and Team!

Are you inspired to go green on your show floor? Share your 2014 plans below.

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NO WISH IS TOO BIG AT THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact
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