GREEN workshops will be offered to visitors and buyers on the corporate responsibility stand at this year’s IMEX 2009.
Tamara Kennedy, executive director of the Green Meeting Industry Council and Fiona Pelham, founding member of Positive Impact, will present twice daily sessions designed to help visitors decide how to build environmental programmes or measures into their business activities.
IMEX 2009 will take place from May 26 to 28 in Hall 8, Messe Frankfurt. The IMEX Green Awards, which include a Green Meetings, Green Supplier, Green Exhibitor and Commitment to the Community Award, all showcase and celebrate a positive approach to environmental improvement and industry best practice.
IMEX’s own environmental commitment was reflected last year in a reduction of total waste of 20 per cent compared to 2007. This included recycling 40 tons of paper and 32 tons of cardboard. IMEX continues with its use of hydroelectric power for 2009 when this will be offered to exhibitors for the first time.
Organisers will use more than 21,000 recyclable, compostable plastic badges, anti-idling policies on courtesy buses and locally-sourced food and other supplies wherever possible. Other green innovations for 2009 include the introduction of plant silk for all badge lanyards. Plant silk is a totally organic material, manufactured from the waste stems of grain crops.
