IMEX Raises the Sustainability Bar With Stellar 2021 Report and Big Plans for 2022 Show in October
September 2, 2022
IMEX Group has long been a leader in sustainable event initiatives, and the findings in the recently released IMEX America 2021 Sustainable Event Report are proving that its efforts are substantially paying off. With the impressive results from the 2021 show, in addition to the recent stark reminders of the increasing impact of climate change—record-high temperatures, wildfires and flooding—IMEX America 2022 is set to shine an even stronger light on the importance of green events.
“At IMEX, we’ve always set our sustainability sights high,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group. “For everything we do, we look at ways we could do it more sustainably and more regeneratively, which can only be achieved by robust measurement.”
To that end, IMEX has partnered with MeetGreen since the launch of IMEX America to evaluate its sustainability efforts and challenge itself to do better each year.
Each year, IMEX America is improved by the findings and recommendations of Meet Green’s independently verified annual sustainability impact report. The report reflects the show’s energy use, food and beverage statistics, materials consumption and reuse, community impact and more. The report also benchmarks each edition of IMEX America against industry best practices such as the Event Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Standards.
Following are some of the many achievements detailed in the IMEX America 2021 Sustainable Event Report:
• The show achieved its highest landfill diversion rate to date of 95%. This, along with recycling, composting and donation efforts, meant the show met the industry threshold for a zero-waste event.
• 100% of carbon emissions from host venue Mandalay Bay Convention Center were offset.
• Water-wise, carbon emissions menu coding and expanded plant-based options helped reduce carbon impact and water usage.
• Efficiencies gained in carpet management meant only 1% of carpet was sent to landfill. The rest was either returned to inventory or recycled.
• The IMEX team experimented with new materials in some areas of the show, such as Neenah conVerd paperboard and 100% polypropylene carpets.
The IMEX America 2021 green event achievements have been recognized by the industry, with IMEX recently winning MeetGreen’s Visionary award for sustainability. The award recognizes organizations that “lead within their own industry, prioritize measurement, work to move the sustainability dial, research and develop new initiatives to improve environmental performance and use their buying power to drive change with venues and vendors.”
“Our show is designed to recognize and champion all areas of sustainability,” Bauer said. “We know that event professionals are keen to learn more about how they can implement planet-friendly practices into their own events, and they’re also mindful of their own carbon ‘spend’ both personally and professionally.”
IMEX America 2022, set to take place Oct. 10-13 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, has been designed to address those needs head-on as well as provide a high-level, high-value business experience, according to Bauer.
In addition to the wealth of “behind-the-scenes” planet-friendly efforts, this year’s show will champion sustainability, as well as diversity and social impact, throughout its educational programming and across the show floor, with the IMEX-EIC People and Planet Village being a focal point.
The village, which returns following its launch at IMEX America last year, will feature a shared campfire education area dedicated to sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion as well as the chance to take part in activities that support the local Las Vegas community.
The IMEX America 2021 Sustainable Event Report is free to download and available here.
More information on how the IMEX Group approaches sustainability can be found here.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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