Freeman Earns EIC’s Level 2 APEX/ASTM Sustainable Meetings Certification
July 30, 2019
Freeman has achieved the Level 2 APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meetings Standard Certification from the Events Industry Council. This certification pertains to the evaluation and selection of exhibits for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences for suppliers (general service contractor/venue).
The APEX/ASTM Standard is awarded to companies that exceed industry standards when it comes to helping customers execute sustainable events. BPA iCompli Sustainability Assurance is the official certification provider, having worked with EIC to develop certification protocols.
“Freeman is deeply committed to sustainability for the organization, our clients’ events and the industry,” said Melinda Kendall, Freeman’s senior vice president of sustainability.
She continued, “Sustainability is all about finding creative ways to reduce waste, and the Events Industry Council’s certification gives our customers confirmation that we have proven our ability to provide ... sustainable event execution beyond what they may have considered.”
Freeman is the only general service contractor in North America to have both the ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Management System and APEX/ASTM sustainability certifications.
“The Events Industry Council congratulates Freeman on this major achievement,” said Amy Calvert, CEO of EIC. “The cumulative impact of embedding sustainable practices in their 21 exhibition offices across North America is exactly the type of bold, meaningful action needed today in our industry.”
She continued, “We also celebrate Freeman's well-established commitment to sustainable practices through materials innovation, waste management and community partnerships.”
EIC’s APEX/ASTM Standards is a set of nine formal, voluntary standards developed by the meetings industry. It provides both planners and suppliers with prescriptive, measurable certifications for producing events more sustainably.
Following a two-year review of APEX/ASTM Standards, EIC is expected to release a redesigned version later this year, to be referred to as the Events Industry Council Sustainable Event Standards.
To read more about how Freeman is practicing sustainability, including donating more than 7,330 pounds of supplies to local non-profits, go here.
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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
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