When IMEX America debuts Oct. 11-13, 2011, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, show organizers are going to do whatever it takes to make it as sustainable of a show as possible and have enlisted the help of meeting planning organization MeetGreen to help them meet their goals.

MeetGreen will be the show’s official sustainability consultants, and, in the next year, the IMEX Group and its many partners will work closely with MeetGreen to set green standards for transportation, food and beverage and the venue in particular, according to show organizers.

“IMEX America is going to be a genuinely unique model of trade show,” said IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer. “The show will have three core pillars to it that will make it unlike any other trade show in the US: the largest hosted buyer program in North America, combined with a unique online appointment system; a focus on high quality professional education, supported by our Strategic Partner and major educational providers, MPI; and a dedication to sustainability and innovation.”

With the launch of The IMEX Group’s trade show for the international meetings, events and incentive travel industry in Frankfurt eight years ago, the company set out to establish new standards for environmental best practice in the exhibition industry.

As a result, this year, IMEX in Frankfurt reduced its total waste output by 30 tons, compared with 2009, and reduced paper usage by 8 tons and cardboard by 7.5 tons. The company also sets yearly environmental goals for the recycling and reuse of a wide range of other materials including carpeting and visitor badges, according to show organizers.

According to Bauer, show organizers hope to attain similar goals at the launch of IMEX America. “We intend to do our utmost to meet – and set – some very demanding green standards for IMEX America, and MeetGreen’s expertise and guidance, as well as their excellent industry partnerships, will play a fundamental role in helping us achieve our objectives,” she added.
The Sands and related properties, such as the Venetian Hotel Resort Casino, have achieved green kudos in the industry for sustainability efforts. Earlier this year, the Las Vegas Sands, which owns the properties, unveiled Eco 360 – a broad-ranging energy efficiency and environmental initiative.

In addition to the recent LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council of the Venetian and the conference center, the combined properties now comprise the largest adjoined LEED-certified building in the world, according to show organizers.

“Las Vegas is not usually top of mind when you think of sustainable destinations, yet there are great strides being made by Las Vegas venues,” said Amy Spatrisano, principal of Meet Green. “We’re looking forward to this tremendous opportunity in working with IMEX America to support their commitment to produce a sustainable trade show by using a progressive approach with Las Vegas venues and vendors to elevate the level of sustainable practices being implemented.”