IMEX America is always a key time in the industry calendar to gear up for high energy networking and power business, but it’s also an opportunity to take a deep breath and set aside time to be kind to ourselves, the communities around us, and the Earth.
Sustainability in action – rethinking burgers to bottles
From its earliest days IMEX America has been tirelessly dedicated to running the show with strong sustainability standards in mind – part of the positive legacy IMEX is continually working to build. This means not only pursuing big goals such as recycling and energy conservation rates but also thinking the show through to the smallest of details. For example in 2017 after informing attendees about water-wise menu options, 26% of burgers purchased at the show were turkey, black bean, or beef/mushroom. Or how about the red show carpet, which most don’t give a second thought to but IMEX ensures is made from recycled materials and reused as much as possible from one year to the next.
In line with these levels of caring, for the first time at IMEX America this year, the Sands will collect paper recycling from booths separately and increase the supply of 4-stream recycling bins in communal areas. This will be just part of what will push IMEX America towards its 2018 waste diversion goal of 90%. Additionally, a new Water Bottle Refill Movement will encourage exhibitors to have water dispensers on their booths (to supplement those already in the halls), and attendees are urged to bring a reusable water bottle to the show.
Designed to raise awareness and foster action, sustainability education sessions will feature throughout the show including “Traveling Towards Sustainable Development Goals”, with Sustained Impact and Astrapto LLC on Wednesday, “Taking the Sustainability Pledge,” taught by Freeman on Thursday, and daily Sands back-of-house tours.
Spread goodness and be well
As part of its holistic sustainability approach, IMEX America will continue to beat the drum on the positive impact of giving back to the communities we touch, as well as the importance of taking care of ourselves and our own health.
A new Giving Back Booth (formerly the CSR & Sustainability Showcase) will feature ideas and activities on getting involved such as making recycled toiletry kits with Clean the World, donating a book to Spread the Word Nevada, or being aware of the Badge Back program to benefit the Teacher’s Exchange. IMEX will again make monetary donations to The Shade Tree shelter and Opportunity Village as part of its long standing relationship with the two local charities.
Last but not least, as we must take good care of ourselves to have the energy to help others and up-level to greener meetings, so our zen, wellness space will be back by popular demand. The Be Well Lounge brought to you by Lee PapaTM, Inspired by Mindful Makeovers, is sponsored by Imprint Events Group and will feature guided meditation and mindfulness classes. Also in this space comfy couches, yoga mats, relaxing music, and chill lighting await participants that just need to take some quiet time away from the show floor.
To stimulate hearts and minds in a different way, the fun, 5K #IMEXrun will again take place early Wednesday morning down the Strip and a new Caesars Forum Walking Challenge by Heka Health will launch. The Walking Challenge will foster friendly competition by offering prizes for meeting step goals. For those that sign up, step counts will be gathered via their FitBit, Jawbone, Apple Watch, Garmin, or cell phones with AppleFit or Google Health, and a Challenge leaderboard will show who’s high stepping. To pre-register click here: www.hekahealth.com/caesarsforum
Attendees can stay hydrated and healthy thanks to hydration stations throughout the show along with plenty of healthy food and beverage choices on hand as with past IMEX America’s.
Finally, speaking of hands-on, how about petting a dog to lower blood pressure and bring big smiles to people’s faces? MPI will once again bring in a puppy petting station on Smart Monday to get the week up and running with a happy wag!
“Our people, and the communities and places around the world where we are lucky enough to meet and work are the greatest gifts we have as an industry,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group. “Our sustainability, CSR and Wellness programs in Las Vegas are all about celebrating, fostering and caring for these gifts in new and interesting ways. We encourage all to chip in and get involved.”
IMEX America takes place October 16 – 18 at the Sands® Expo and Convention Center at The Venetian® | The Palazzo® in Las Vegas, preceded by Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on October 15.
Registration is open – and free.