Organizers of EIBTM, a global event for the meetings and events industry, have announced the Sustainability Stand Award to encourage exhibitors to take a sustainable approach to their participation in the show, which is scheduled Nov. 19-21 at the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona.
“Sustainability is one of the key elements of EIBTM and we are committed to continuing to make positive changes,” said Graeme Barnett, EIBTM exhibition director, Reed Travel Exhibitions. “Since introducing our sustainability objectives in 2009 we have reduced our waste by over 79 percent, which is great and allows us to increase our goal even further in coming years. The Sustainability Award is part of our overall sustainability strategy, recognizing the work of our exhibitors in contributing towards our sustainability objectives.”
Judged by an expert independent panel, the Sustainability Stand Award recognizes exhibitors placing the most emphasis on green exhibitions at EIBTM. The Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau was named as the winner of last year’s Sustainability Award due to a demonstration of best practice and leadership in the field.
“To receive the EIBTM Sustainability Award was a great recognition for the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB),” said Barbra Steuri-Albrecht, director, SCIB. “It was a true reward for the many smaller and bigger results we achieved in Switzerland over the last few years together with our regions, centers, destinations and hotels. It has been, and still is a great motivation to continue our sustainability efforts at these different levels and to share best practice examples with our clients and other interested parties.”
The Switzerland tourism stand at EIBTM 2012 was created using sustainably sourced wood and low-energy lighting and had been recycled at exhibitions for the previous three years with a view to it being in use a further five years. Staff at the Switzerland tourism stand were encouraged to attend sustainability-related education sessions and bring less literature during the event.
EIBTM provides a dedicated education stream that includes a range of education, advice clinics, case studies and best practices delivered by industry experts in the Sustainable Events Corner during the three-day event. This feature provides information on sustainability and how it can be practically implemented into events, venues and the industry supply chain.
Exhibitors who would like to apply for the Sustainability Stand Award can submit their applications online at www.eibtm.com/sustainableaward. Entries will close on Monday, Nov. 11, and the winner will be revealed on the second day of the show as well as announced in the Show Daily.
