Classified as a zero-waste event for the last five years, IMEX has released its sustainability report for IMEX America 2023. Compiled in partnership with MeetGreen, the Portland, Ore.-based sustainable-meetings firm, the report highlights how organizers have achieved this goal and offers ways they are looking to improve the show this year, which will be held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Oct. 8-10.
The largest trade show in the events industry, IMEX 2023 brought together 15,000 attendees from more than 180 countries. The sustainability goals are to measure the event footprint, deliver net-zero events by 2030, make sustainability education accessible to all, share what they learn and amplify best practices, give back to local communities, and champion the positive impacts of meetings and events.
IMEX Group, which hosts the event, aren't alone among industry professionals concerned with sustainability. Last year, 122 attendees and 29 exhibitors signed the IMEX People & Planet Pledge, committing to eco-friendly actions before, during and after the show.
Despite experiencing a 25 percent increase in attendance, IMEX America 2023 was able to reduce the show's energy consumption by 42 percent. This was made possible by:
- Diverting 93 percent of event waste from the landfill into organics, material recycling and donation channels;
- Donating nearly 1,000 pounds of recovered materials, such as office supplies and furniture, to those in need in Nevada's Clark County;
- Using 132,000 kWh of renewable solar energy, and thereby reducing approximately 95.5 metric tons of emissions;
- Eliminating 16,079 single-use plastic bottles through reduction initiatives;
- Returning, recycling or donating 90 percent of printed signage and banners; and
- Donating 200 pounds of food to the Las Vegas community.
Location matters
The host city and venue played a large role in helping the organization reach its goals. Harry Reid International Airport offers 161 nonstop routes to Las Vegas, which has a lesser carbon footprint than connecting flight options. Upon arrival, Mandalay Bay is just 4 miles from the airport, reducing the need for a large amount of ground-transportation emissions. Additionally, the venue and the 12 MGM Las Vegas properties are powered by at least 30 percent renewable solar electricity, leading to a 41 percent reduction in emissions. IMEX America also taps into the region's labor and storage services to eliminate the need for some air travel.
"MGM Resorts is pleased to collaborate with IMEX on an event that is both inclusive and conscious of its impact on the planet," said Cassie Snow, sustainability manager for MGM Resorts International. "IMEX America has become a shining example of how implementing socially and environmentally sustainable practices can help create a more sustainable future, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to drive positive change."
Food-and-beverage initiatives
Organizers eliminated more than 16,000 single-use plastic bottles by setting up water stations. Plus, 3,130 beverages were sold in aluminum packaging, one of the most recyclable materials. Wax-free cups and paper lids were offered for the first time, allowing them to be composted. In terms of food, a low-carbon menu reduced items that require higher emissions to raise or produce, such as beef. A majority of the dishes offered contained chicken or pork (57 percent), while only 24 percent had red meat. The remaining 19 percent of menu items were vegetarian.
Before the show, IMEX America works closely with the venue to source produce and meat regionally. During the three days, food is heated in stages based on consumption to lessen waste. Afterward, a total of 166 meals were donated to the Three Square Food Bank.
Waste management
Hotels' sustainability initiatives can play a huge role in the overall success of reducing an event's footprint. Last year, MGM Resorts began to install reusable bath dispensers across Las Vegas properties. If even half of the participants stayed at one of their hotels, an estimated 15,000 small plastic shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion containers would have been eliminated over the course of four days.
Event signage in 2023 increased by more than 29,000 square feet due to IMEX's new logo and color palette. However, 90 percent of the printed material was able to be saved for use over the next three-plus years. Furthermore, approximately 1,550 badges were recycled through the TerraCycle Zero Waste program.
Past and present goals
In addition to at-show auditing, sustainability measures also are assessed by the MeetGreen Calculator, which helps organizations scale their progress against their own efforts and those of similar events. Categories include destination, accommodations, venues, catering, transport, exhibits, A/V, marketing and communications, CSR, and measurement/reporting. IMEX America 2023 has been awarded the highest level of achievement for its efforts: Sustainable Event Visionary.
Looking toward October, IMEX wants to focus on:
- Reducing waste on move in/out days;
- Increasing logistical attention to waste operations on the docks, with better bin signage and by covering bins when not in use to minimize contamination;
- Improving placement and staging of exhibit-hall waste stations;
- Investigating how to replace large-format stickers with paper substrates; and
- Working with the Mandalay Bay's food-and-beverage teams to use bulk creamers and condiments while still meeting state code requirements.
For more information, download the full report.
