LAS VEGAS– IMEX America recently released the independent IMEX America 2021 Sustainable Event Report, produced by its sustainability partners MeetGreen, as it works toward its net zero goal.
As sustainability continues to dominate headlines around the world, trade show organizations are devoting resources to minimizing their environmental impact. IMEX, the industry’s largest trade show and a Gold 100 honoree for its 2021 IMEX America show in Las Vegas, held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, has been at the forefront of these efforts, making it a practice to monitor sustainability efforts at every show.
The report benchmarks each edition of IMEX America against industry best practices, such as the Event Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Standards. The report shows that the 2021 show achieved its highest landfill diversion rate to date at 95%. This, combined with recycling, composting and donation efforts, helped the show meet the industry benchmark for a “zero waste event.”
“We strive to do better every year, and at this year’s IMEX America, we will build on the practices detailed in our Sustainability Impact Report,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group. “This includes maintaining our status as a zero-waste event with a high landfill diversion rate and ensuring our carbon impact remains low.”
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At the close of IMEX America 2021, Bauer announced that IMEX would offset 100% of the carbon emissions from its operations at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the duration of the show. Approximately 30% of the electricity generated on-site at IMEX America came directly from MGM Resorts’ Mega Solar Array.
“We also have long-term goals,” Bauer said. “We are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 as part of the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative and will publish our action plan to achieve this by the end of 2023.”
IMEX America 2021 Achievements
The report shows that reducing single-use plastic use, which is a top priority at IMEX America, has been a success. According to Mandalay Bay consumption records, IMEX America’s reusable water refill stations saved approximately 4,436 standard PET water bottles. Additionally, the 7,573 aluminum bottles used at concessions totaled 12,009 PET plastic water bottles eliminated in 2021, according to the MeetGreen report.
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795 vegetarian meals were sold at IMEX America 2021. The plant-based meals, using averages of emission factors, saved the equivalent of 228 room nights of an average Las Vegas hotel. Additionally, by going 100% digital with its trade show publications last year, the company saved nearly 500,000 gallons of water, which would fill nearly 6,000 bathtubs.
IMEX America also embraced sustainable practices at the show. Only 1 percent of the carpet used was sent to landfill; the rest was either restocked or recycled. The show also hosted an exhibitor material donation program, collecting more than 22,000 pounds of event furniture to donate to Las Vegas community outlets. Additionally, some 895 name badges and lanyards were sent to Terra Cycle for recycling.
This year, IMEX America will take place October 11-13 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Contact Carina Bauer at Carina.bauer@imexexhibitions.com