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Speaking on this, Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said, “Our approach to sustainability is both to lead by example and to shine a spotlight on key industry campaigns, for example, through our sponsorship of Positive Impact’s campaign to tell the story of the power of events during the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism 2017.”
These sustainability initiatives include:
Waste Watchers – a new call to reuse and recycle
Partnering with local non-government organisation ‘ShoutOutLoud’, the IMEX team has set up this programme to reduce waste by providing opportunities for everyone to reuse and recycle an extensive range of materials. Leftover food, furniture, stand graphics, flowers and stationery that would usually go to waste can be donated daily and will be distributed to those who need them with the help of a local food network and a refugee support group.
Saving trees, reducing paper
IMEX in Frankfurt in an effort to save around 2.7 tonnes of paper will not be producing a printed Show Catalogue. Hosted buyers and visitor buyers will be able to find out full information about exhibitors and the vast range of education sessions available from a new Show Planner, by downloading and using the Show App and via the show website.
Learning from sustainability experts
IMEX will provide many sessions to learn more about sustainability such as Global Destinations Sustainability Index Driving Performance and Competitiveness, by Guy Bigwood of MCI. Founder of Positive Impact, Fiona Pelham, whose company has created a ‘bold year-long campaign’ for 2017 will also talk about ‘The Power of Events in the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism’.
New IMEX GMIC Innovation in Sustainability Award
Also new this year is IMEX-GMIC Green Award designed to highlight inspiring event professionals who are driving sustainability forwards through innovation, collaboration and idea sharing. It will be presented to the winner at the Gala Dinner at IMEX in Frankfurt.
Campaigns to reduce waste and encourage sustainability are also implemented at IMEX America and at the IMEX Group offices where in 2016 recycling saved the equivalent of 34 trees and 5,790 kg of CO2.
Source: travelnewsdigest.in