We have recently returned from IMEX in Frankfurt where we were lucky enough to catch a Q&A session with Dale Hudson who is the knowledge and events director for the IMEX Group and heads up sustainability for them. The IMEX team hosts two big shows each year based in Europe and North America for the meetings and incentive events industry, and sustainability is high on their agenda.
Dale showed real passion when articulating some of the green initiatives they have taken to make their events more sustainable.
What really impressed us was the length to which they have gone to engage with their suppliers and change the way they do things. Not just changing things for the IMEX shows but for all their operations. The way in which they have interacted with the cities which host their events and local charities is also a great legacy.
Events are traditionally one of the sectors of our industry that is most wasteful. It was amazing to see that the efforts the IMEX team is making, by including green and sustainable practices, have filtered through to the show floor. This passion seems to have hit a chord with all the exhibitors and no longer do you see thousands of brochures and pens being handed out only to end up in a bin before lunchtime. There is still a requirement for print but digital plays a much bigger role these days.