IMEX America Launches New CSR Initiative, Coincides with World Environment Day
June 19, 2016
Just before the United Nations’ World Environment Day 2016, which was June 5, the IMEX Group revealed a new volunteer CSR initiative that’s set to take place in Las Vegas the day before IMEX America 2016 opens in October.
“We’re thrilled to be launching this new project, which gives a fresh dimension to our legacy work in Las Vegas,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.
She added, “It naturally complements our existing partnerships with The Shade Tree and Opportunity Village and gives industry volunteers a brand new way to show their love of the environment while, hopefully, making lifelong friends and new business connections.”
The MeetGreen® Sustainability Report for IMEX America 2015 shows that concerted sustainability actions by hosted buyers, visitors, exhibitors and the organizing team continue to make a difference, reducing both waste and the environmental footprint of the show, and this latest CSR IMEX initiative is on lock step with that and the goals of the UN’s World Environment Day.
World Environment Day is marked by the UN to continue to bring global awareness to green interests like sustainable cities, the importance of bees in our world, wildlife preservation and much more.
It also continues to drive forward the historic 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit.
In the spirit of this global movement, Garbage Grabbers – Clean Up in Las Vegas is a new project in which IMEX America is working with the Outside Las Vegas Foundation, the premier volunteer coordination group for nature and the outdoors in southern Nevada.
On Oct. 17, volunteers attending the IMEX week will be invited to join IMEX America staff and Las Vegas residents in an organized clean-up of walking trails and parks. Everyone who would like to join the Garbage Grabbers should email milda.salciute@
Driving IMEX’s interest in helping to mitigate waste and build cleaner spaces were results from the MeetGreen® Sustainability Report from IMEX America 2015 where waste per participant was reduced by a substantial 13 per cent year-over-year. Energy use was also cut by 5 per cent, while paper use was down 12 per cent.
According to the MeetGreen® Calculator of Overall Event Sustainability, IMEX America’s current score of 76.5 per cent [2011: 49.8 per cent] puts the trade show in the top 6 of 33 comparable events monitored by MeetGreen®.
The main results of the report are summarized in an infographic at http://www.imexamerica.com/
Environmental sustainability has always been a key value for the IMEX Group, which is committed to encouraging best practice and educating the global meetings and events industry through a range of activities and program at both IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America.
Here are some of the programs:
• Badge Back – at the end of the show, buyers and exhibitors can place their badge in one of two boxes. Each box represents a local charity – The Shade Tree, a shelter for homeless and abused women and children; and Opportunity Village, Nevada’s largest not-for-profit organization providing vocational training, employment and arts-based programs for citizens with intellectual disabilities. Every recycled badge triggers a financial donation. In addition, 1,407 badges were collected last year and donated to the Teacher’s Exchange.
• Clean the World – show participants are invited to recycle toiletries gathered from participating hotels. At the booth, attendees gather to build hygiene kits to be donated to The Shade Tree shelter.
• Inspiration Hub – education on the show floor’s Inspiration Hub will again feature a variety of sessions addressing sustainability practices in the meetings and events industry.
For further details about sustainable activities at IMEX America and to download the 2015
Sustainability Report, please visit http://www.imexamerica.com/
The IMEX Group also reflects its commitment to sustainability at IMEX in Frankfurt. For details visit http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/
Along with the International Congress and Convention Association, the IMEX Group is also a partner of the new Global Destination Sustainability Index, the first ever sustainability ranking for event destinations world worldwide, initiated by ICCA’s Scandinavian Chapter and MCI. http://gds-index.com/
For further information about World Environment Day please visit http://wed2016.com/
Partner Voices
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
Add new comment