Last week, IMEX hosted its 2022 conference in Las Vegas. IMEX America is the largest trade show in the U.S. for the global meetings, events, and incentive-travel industry. IMEX is also committed to sustainability, and they have the numbers to prove it. A recent report of the 2021 show examines the event’s energy usage, water consumption, and food and beverage consumption versus previous years, as well as the degree of waste diversion and other elements of sustainability.
There are several impressive achievements from last year's event, including:
- 95% diversion rate from landfill for event activities at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in 2021
- 100% convention center carbon emissions offset (record-low carbon emissions as a result of commitment to Net Zero Carbon Events)
- 143 kg of event food recovered and donated (equivalent to an estimated 210 meals to those in need)
- 12,009 PET plastic water bottles eliminated through reuse and environmentally preferable materials
These numbers are not only inspiring; they show that sustainable events are possible. With the right strategies and commitment, environmentally healthy events can be created without breaking the bank.
View the full IMEX America 2021 Sustainable Event Report here.