Sustainability at IAAPA Expo

IAAPA and its partners are committed to instituting sustainable efforts whenever possible. The following is a list of practices at this year’s Expo.

IAAPA Show Organizer

Session handouts are only available electronically.
Sessions surveys are administered digitally.
Stories from the trade show floor are now produced real-time in a video format and shared on social media, reducing the need for paper and resulting in 0% carbon emissions by eliminating the need for trucks to deliver printed materials.
Exhibitor material is distributed electronically.
Badges designed so no additional badge holder is required. Tickets are tied to the badge instead of printed.
Lanyards collected at the end of the Expo are reused at future events.
Using digital signage to replace some paper-based signage.
IAAPA partners with Give Kids the World to collect leftover exhibitor products such as plush, games, t-shirts, supplies, and more.

Orange County Convention Center (OCCC)

One of the largest LEED Gold certified convention centers in North America.
First convention center in the United States to have its Environmental Management System ISO 14001 certified and the third to receive the APEX/ASTM certification.
Recycling collection bins in all meeting and event areas. It’s collection are mixed paper, and co-mingled recycling aluminum, plastic, and glass. Bins are made from recycled milk jugs formed using solar energy at a facility a few miles from the Center.
Vegetables are grown in their Center-to-Table Gardens to provide attendees the freshest, chemical-free food available.
The largest municipal rooftop solar array in the Southeast United States generating more than 1.5 million GWh every year (approximately 100 Florida homes worth of electricity for a year).
Operate five different solar array programs on the OCCC campus which are used for research and client events.
Developed a comprehensive plan that integrates national lighting, storm water management, green spaces, and walkability into every client event.
Unused food not considered waste is donated to local organizations in the community such as Second Harvest of Central Florida. Collected food waste is sent to Harvest Power of Orlando, to be converted into electricity and fertilizer for local farms.

Freeman (General Services Contractor)

Encourage exhibitors to rent booth furnishings to reduce shipping costs and carbon emissions. Booth furnishings from Freeman are reused multiple times.
Cardboard, paper, and aluminum are recycled both at the warehouse and show site.
Aisle carpet is cleaned between uses and reused an average of four times before being recycled. Exhibitors and show management are encouraged to use darker-colored carpet, which is easier to use and recycle.
Freeman Classic dark-colored carpets are made of 20-50% recycled content.
Carpet padding is maintained and reused for as long as possible, then recycled.
Fabric drape is reused many times and at the end of its useful life cycle, recycled by a partner company.
Paperless ordering.
Provides a suite of fully recyclable, paper-based substrates including: Freeman Honeycomb, Freeman Paper Board, Freeman Paper Aisle Signs, SmartBuild Eco, Chrome Sign Frame paper slipcover.
Single-use graphics are printed on recyclable substrate by default. Consider not using dates, event names or locations for multiple use.
Aisle signs are printed on recyclable paper and IAAPA has reduced the size.
Vinyl banners are repurposed whenever possible.
Inks with volatile organize compounds (VOCs) are not used.
Source Energy Star electronic equipment when available.
Power down electronics each night, as practical.
Batteries are repurposed.
Post and enforce “No Engine Idling” policy in the warehouse and on show site.
97% of their over-the-road shipping is on EPA SmartWay Certified trucks.
Heavy equipment fueled by electric or propane, unless otherwise required by the facility.
Source material and labor locally when possible.

Sodexo Live! (Catering)

2,000 sqf Center-to-Table Gardens in the West Concourse Westwood Lobby producing year round edible produce in a climate-controlled, all natural, and chemical-free environment. Aeroponic growling utilizes 95% less water compared to conventional organic farming and uses 90% less land space while growing plants three times faster than it takes in the ground. Produce grown is used in dining experiences at the OCCC.
Additional products are sourced from vendors that employ local residents, purchase local ingredients, and incorporate sustainable initiatives into their daily operation.
Organic recycling of food scraps generated during preparation, execution, and breakdown of food service events. Organic waster is taken to Heart of Florida Environmental, a composting facility converting it into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Sodexo Live! offers full china service or appropriate compostable and recyclable serviceware for all food and beverage events in the OCCC.
Sodexo Live! works directly with a variety of local Central Florida-based organizations to help fulfill the needs of those seeking assistance by donating viable food and beverage products.

PRG (Audio-Visual)

Extensive inventory of efficient LED automated and conventional lights.
Reducing cycle test times on equipment to lower electrical consumption.
Proprietary luminaires like Best Boy(R) and Bad Boy(R) offer high-output and lower power consumption.
PRG's Orlando location mean less air and truck transportation.
Repurposing its proprietary luminaries with energy-efficient LED light engines.
Extensive recycling policy including general waste, used equipment, scrap metal from lighting, audio, video and scenic operations, bulbs and expendable items containing potentially hazardous chemicals.
Components include proprietary green products including BAT Truss (compact, lightweight), Series 400 (singular cable/networking for data and power), and Best Boy (high output, low power consumption).