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
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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