IMEX America Launches New CSR Initiative, Coincides with World Environment Day
June 19, 2016
Just before the United Nations’ World Environment Day 2016, which was June 5, the IMEX Group revealed a new volunteer CSR initiative that’s set to take place in Las Vegas the day before IMEX America 2016 opens in October.
“We’re thrilled to be launching this new project, which gives a fresh dimension to our legacy work in Las Vegas,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.
She added, “It naturally complements our existing partnerships with The Shade Tree and Opportunity Village and gives industry volunteers a brand new way to show their love of the environment while, hopefully, making lifelong friends and new business connections.”
The MeetGreen® Sustainability Report for IMEX America 2015 shows that concerted sustainability actions by hosted buyers, visitors, exhibitors and the organizing team continue to make a difference, reducing both waste and the environmental footprint of the show, and this latest CSR IMEX initiative is on lock step with that and the goals of the UN’s World Environment Day.
World Environment Day is marked by the UN to continue to bring global awareness to green interests like sustainable cities, the importance of bees in our world, wildlife preservation and much more.
It also continues to drive forward the historic 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by world leaders in September 2015 at an historic UN Summit.
In the spirit of this global movement, Garbage Grabbers – Clean Up in Las Vegas is a new project in which IMEX America is working with the Outside Las Vegas Foundation, the premier volunteer coordination group for nature and the outdoors in southern Nevada.
On Oct. 17, volunteers attending the IMEX week will be invited to join IMEX America staff and Las Vegas residents in an organized clean-up of walking trails and parks. Everyone who would like to join the Garbage Grabbers should email milda.salciute@
Driving IMEX’s interest in helping to mitigate waste and build cleaner spaces were results from the MeetGreen® Sustainability Report from IMEX America 2015 where waste per participant was reduced by a substantial 13 per cent year-over-year. Energy use was also cut by 5 per cent, while paper use was down 12 per cent.
According to the MeetGreen® Calculator of Overall Event Sustainability, IMEX America’s current score of 76.5 per cent [2011: 49.8 per cent] puts the trade show in the top 6 of 33 comparable events monitored by MeetGreen®.
The main results of the report are summarized in an infographic at http://www.imexamerica.com/
Environmental sustainability has always been a key value for the IMEX Group, which is committed to encouraging best practice and educating the global meetings and events industry through a range of activities and program at both IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America.
Here are some of the programs:
• Badge Back – at the end of the show, buyers and exhibitors can place their badge in one of two boxes. Each box represents a local charity – The Shade Tree, a shelter for homeless and abused women and children; and Opportunity Village, Nevada’s largest not-for-profit organization providing vocational training, employment and arts-based programs for citizens with intellectual disabilities. Every recycled badge triggers a financial donation. In addition, 1,407 badges were collected last year and donated to the Teacher’s Exchange.
• Clean the World – show participants are invited to recycle toiletries gathered from participating hotels. At the booth, attendees gather to build hygiene kits to be donated to The Shade Tree shelter.
• Inspiration Hub – education on the show floor’s Inspiration Hub will again feature a variety of sessions addressing sustainability practices in the meetings and events industry.
For further details about sustainable activities at IMEX America and to download the 2015
Sustainability Report, please visit http://www.imexamerica.com/
The IMEX Group also reflects its commitment to sustainability at IMEX in Frankfurt. For details visit http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/
Along with the International Congress and Convention Association, the IMEX Group is also a partner of the new Global Destination Sustainability Index, the first ever sustainability ranking for event destinations world worldwide, initiated by ICCA’s Scandinavian Chapter and MCI. http://gds-index.com/
For further information about World Environment Day please visit http://wed2016.com/
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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