IMEX 2008 Reinforces Strong Lead on Green Issues

IMEX will reinforce the strong lead it has taken on environmental best practice within the international meetings industry with a series of new ‘green’ initiatives at this year’s show, April 22 to 24 in Frankfurt.

IMEX will become the first exhibition in its sector to use completely biodegradable and recyclable badges. In common with many other shows, IMEX traditionally used to print over 21,000 plastic badges and the same number of plastic badge holders.

The trade show will be the first ever exhibition at Messe Frankfurt to take advantage of green energy. All of the organizers’ lighting and electricity requirements for the entire week will be provided by a local hydroelectric power scheme. From 2009, IMEX will also be able to offer this green energy option to exhibitors for use on their stands.

Also new for 2008 is the launch of the IMEX Green Supplier Award. This new award complements the existing and popular Green Exhibitor Award and also a series of Green Meetings Awards, run in conjunction with the Green Meetings Industry Council.

The Green Supplier Award is designed to recognize and reward the efforts of many suppliers within the global meetings industry to measure and improve the environmental impact of the facilities and services they offer to clients.

The Award has been greeted with an enthusiastic industry response. Judges were delighted both by the volume and high quality of entries. The winner will be announced at the IMEX Gala Dinner on April 23.

In a further effort to give suppliers of environmentally friendly products and services a higher profile, IMEX will be also highlighting their credentials in the exhibitors’ manual.