Craig Hoffend
Craig Hoffend has been in the trade show and events industry for over 25 years. He is currently Vice President of Business Development at Global Experience Specialists (GES).
No One Wants to Hang Onto a Gorilla: How IMEX Reduced Waste and You Can Too
November 24, 2013
When there is a 5,835 pound gorilla in the room, what do you do? Remember on Seinfeld when George knocked the clown over running out of a room that caught fire? That’s pretty much what I’d be doing …
That happens to be the same reaction you get from many show organizers, exhibitors, facilities, and yes … even service contractors, when there is a pile of old exhibit signage, banners and panels from past shows that aren’t being used any more.
That’s not the case at IMEX America. IMEX chooses to face the gorilla down. At the close of the show, just when everyone is at their peak of exhaustion, they motivate their team and vendors to start unpacking and reviewing all old material. Why? Because there’s a lot of good material that can be donated to worthy organizations. IMEX leads by example first – then sends the message to their exhibitors.
Green has always been an important part of the IMEX message but never more important than now. They encourage exhibitors to practice sustainability through “Green Goals” and joining a “Green Team.” They found that exhibitors love to join causes; it empowers them and they feel like they aren’t just throwing their money at something, but are actually a part of making a difference.
Here’s how IMEX America encouraged exhibitors to help them achieve their green goals:
1. Join the Green Team. Meet pre-set qualifications that show your commitment to sustainability. Action counts!
2. Use the recycling bins for USB sticks, brochures, signage, floral, or if you are unsure – just drop it off!
3. Mail unused brochures and other materials back to their office. Better yet – only bring what you need.
4. Participate in a “badge back” program to support local charities in the Las Vegas area, host city of IMEX 2013. Each ‘donated’ badge triggers a financial donation to a local good cause and the badges themselves are also reused.
5. Help with IMEX America’s Clean the World initiative at the show to recycle hotel soaps and shampoos into hygiene kits. These are gifted to local causes (no freight costs or environmental impacts!)
6. Consider carbon-offsetting their travel to Las Vegas.
7. Exchange a “standard booth package” for the GES sustainable booth option. This not only includes the booth structure but all the furniture, carpet, and wastebaskets.
8. Opt for sustainable catering in their booth.
My favorite actually isn’t on the list. It’s called the IMEX Challenge which takes place every two years. This year started 2014’s Shade Tree shelter project. The Challenge will call on members of the meetings and events industry to help with the landscaping, materials, and construction of a new healing garden for the Shade Tree shelter for women, children and their pets in Las Vegas.
GES was honored to be a sponsor of this project, and I was amazed at what this meant to the families in need. By the way, if you are wondering if this was a success or not? There was a second slightly larger 5,900 lb. gorilla sitting next to the first. His name was “exhibitor donations.”
A side note: IMEX America benchmarks its sustainable performance against the APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Event Standards, Level 1*. Last year, with the help of exhibitors, partners and suppliers, IMEX America achieved 63 percent compliance. Once audited, results are in for 2013, organizers hope to have matched or even exceeded these results.
Well done IMEX and Team!
Are you inspired to go green on your show floor? Share your 2014 plans below.
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
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