It seems sustainability options have finally come to the mainstream for trade shows and conventions. In recent years green practices have been adopted by convention centers, event planners, vendors and contractors to dramatically reduce costs and their environmental impact.
As the 2010 Waste Expo kicks off this week in Atlanta, EcoGreenHotel takes a look at the solid waste and environmental impacts of Trade Shows. WasteExpo is North America’s largest solid waste and recycling tradeshow serving both the private and public sectors. The show boasts “green” initiatives such as: extensive use of electronic media to eliminate paper, energy saving lighting, green cleaners, carpet made from recycled materials, and of course robust recycling programs.It is held at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority in Atlanta which has recently adopted sustainability practices for its 3.9million square feet of space. Beyond the standard green building practices, the center works closely with a local Food Bank to ensure left over food and supplies from events do not go to waste. Plastic water bottles have been replaced with spring water coolers and food wastes are composted onsite.
But are these initiatives enough to create a sustainable trade show?The most sustainable trade show is the recent advent of the virtual trade show. As the name implies, a virtual trade show is conducted online for all of the attendees and exhibitors in a virtual convention center. The nearly zero carbon footprint shows offer live speakers, interactive vendor booths, networking events, and opportunities to sample products and services. In today’s economy the time and cost savings alone make this option immensely more attractive than traditional shows. EcoGreenHotel likes the idea of the virtual trade show so much it has committed to attend the Spa Hospitality Expo on May 26 and 27. Please join us in our booth for your first virtual tradeshow experience. You can register for the free show at http://tiny.cc/dq4sh
