Oct 30, 2019
Several hotel brands and convention centers are jumping on the green bandwagon to help the environment and people in need through an array of sustainability and CSR initiatives.  TCF Center Snags LEED Gold Certification Detroit’s TCF Center has been awarded LEED Gold Certification, making it the largest LEED-certified building in the state of Michigan. The LEED rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is considered the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health… more
Oct 17, 2019
The focus on sustainability in the world of corporate events will only continue to increase, according to CWT Meetings & Events. In the new M&E Future Trends Report bonus feature, The Future of Sustainable Events, CWT provides insights into the state of the industry and offers tips on how organizations can embed responsible business practices into meetings and events.   “Having a responsible business approach and company culture is ever more important as employees and consumers want to be associated with a brand that reflects their values,” said Ian Cummings, vice president EMEA, CWT… more
Informa Sustainability Report
Oct 16, 2019
Event and trade show organizers looking for an overview of how industry giant Informa makes a difference through sustainability — and how they can follow suit — can turn to Informa’s “2018 Sustainability Report: The Role We Play” as a resource. Released in conjunction with the company’s annual report earlier this year, the document provides examples of how Informa’s brands and content support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, stories of the purposeful partnerships that Informa teams have formed with community groups, and insightful infographics that demonstrate how the business… more
Oct 10, 2019
Sustainability is top-of-mind for tech giant HP. The company’s sustainable impact strategy mission is to create lasting, positive change for the planet, our people and communities. HP has publicly committed to integrating sustainable practices into its events by reducing unnecessary materials, renting and reusing assets, recycling, composting and donating event discards. HP engagedKindle Communications to produce the evening networking event for HP’s top 1,500 sales executives and retail, channel and alliance partners at its annual global world partner forum, HP Reinvent 2019. HP positions… more
Oct 02, 2019
If you’re well-versed with sustainable trade shows, you’ve heard of Greenbuild International Conference & Expo. As the world’s largest sustainable event for the green building industry, the 17-year-old trade show and conference has become one of the most pace-setting events in the sustainable show universe. Behind the curtain is a team of passionate individuals building upon the show’s sustainability prowess, including Senior Show Manager Rachel Motekaitis, who has been with the show since 2013. TSNN sat down with her to learn how Greenbuild works, as well as what’s in store for its 2019… more
Sep 24, 2019
The Events Industry Council continues its commitment to greening the global events industry with the launch of the EIC Centre for Sustainable Events, unveiled Sept. 10 at IMEX America in Las Vegas. The new Centre will provide resources to increase industry-wide sustainable practices adoption and support a stronger alignment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.  The virtual hub will offer online reference materials, on-demand education via EIC’s new learning management system, monthly webinars and access to education from 33 member organizations, according to EIC officials… more
Aug 19, 2019
It’s no secret that trade shows and conferences produce a sizable amount of waste that becomes destined for the dumpster after just a few days in the spotlight. Having witnessed this problematic pattern for years, event management and production firm Decibel Event Management has partnered with Reborn Clothing Co. to help tackle event waste by upcycling signage, graphics and other single-use textiles into one-of-a-kind, durable products. According to David Sonntag, Decibel CEO, the company’s new UpCycling Initiative is designed to not only keep surplus textiles out of landfills but also… more
Aug 12, 2019
In an industry known for producing a substantial amount of waste, some trade shows are working to turn the tides by gradually adopting practices to reduce their environmental impact. Then there are other shows, such as Natural Products Expo East and West — the world’s largest natural products trade shows — that have been quietly driving the event sustainability movement long before “green” became a buzzword.  Held biannually at the Anaheim and Baltimore convention centers (NPE East will be moving to Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia in 2020), the NPE shows have incorporated… more
Aug 05, 2019
If there’s a trend taking over the apparel industry, it’s sustainability. That was made clear at Functional Fabric Fair and Texworld USA, two apparel sourcing trade shows held simultaneously July 22-24 at Javits Center in New York City. The shows included more sustainable educational content and showfloor resources for attendees, as well as on-site practices and exhibitor sustainability requirements. Functional Fabric Fair Doubles Eco-Friendly Exhibitors Functional Fabric Fair powered by Performance Days is organized by Reed Exhibitions and presents apparel industry professionals with the… more
Jul 30, 2019
Freeman has achieved the Level 2 APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meetings Standard Certification from the Events Industry Council. This certification pertains to the evaluation and selection of exhibits for environmentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows and conferences for suppliers (general service contractor/venue). The APEX/ASTM Standard is awarded to companies that exceed industry standards when it comes to helping customers execute sustainable events. BPA iCompli Sustainability Assurance is the official certification provider, having worked with EIC to develop… more
Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact