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.
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.

Centerplate (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.
Centerplate offers full china service or appropriate compostable and recyclable serviceware for all food and beverage events in the OCCC.
Centerplate 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).

Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge

In an effort to make IAAPA Expo more sustainable, IAAPA is inviting exhibitors to participate in the IAAPA Expo Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge.

How can your organization participate?
It’s easy! Below is a list of ways exhibitors can practice sustainability efforts during IAAPA Expo. We ask each company willing to take the pledge to select five or more items and commit to them for IAAPA Expo 2022.

Complete the Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge form with your selections and a logo by Oct. 21, 2022 to participate. Login info is below.

How will you be recognized?
Your logo will be featured on digital screens and on slides on-site at IAAPA Expo 2022, on the Sustainability at IAAPA Expo webpage, and exhibitors will receive an electronic badge you can use to promote your participation on social media, your website, marketing materials etc.

Exhibitor Sustainability Measures (each company must select a minimum of 5)

Energy Conservation

Use either LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).
All displays, monitors and booth lighting will be powered down each night after show/setup hours. If equipment cannot be shut down, it will be put into sleep mode during non-expo hours.
Walk, take the IAAPA shuttle bus, or rideshare with your company employees to and from the facility during the Expo.

Booth Build & Graphics

Submit show orders electronically instead of printing order forms. Use the online Exhibitor Services Guide.
Flooring is reusable and has either been used at previous events or will be used at future events.
Display elements are reused from past events or will be reused at future events.
Display elements contain a minimum 30% recycled content.
Display elements include aluminium components, which are durable, lightweight and pack in less space.
Use low volatile organic compound (VOC) and environmentally preferable carpet.
Use low-VOC paints and coatings.
Buy local: Use local suppliers for required building materials.
Graphics are reusable and either used at previous events or will be used at future events.
Graphics and signage are produced on 100% recyclable substrate.
Graphics and signage contain a minimum of 30% recycled material.
Graphics are printed on fabric material made of at least 30% recycled content.

Shipping & Packaging Practices

Shipments are consolidated into a single shipment.
Avoid polystyrene used in booth shipment (i.e., packing peanuts, Styrofoam, #6 or foam plastic).
Choose biodegradable packing materials.
Use recyclable packaging.
Padding materials and exhibit crates are reused for shipping during move-out.

Waste Management

Waste accumulated is properly disposed of in the appropriate waste containers and use the buildings recyclable waste bins for paper, aluminium, plastic, and glass.
Use cleaning products that are environmentally friendly.
Participate in the exhibit donation program with Give Kids the World by providing materials that are eligible for donation such as plush, games, giveaways, t-shirts, rides, supplies and more.
Recycle badge lanyards at the conclusion of the show at registration.

Marketing Materials

Reduce literature and the number of giveaways shipped by 10% compared to previous shows.
Giveaways are made of recycled, responsibly grown natural fibre, non-toxic and biodegradable materials.
Electronic giveaways – Create smart and trendy giveaways, like a USB storage drive with your content already loaded.
Use 100% recyclable or 50% post-consumer recycled content paper for all printed materials.
Post QR codes in the booth that lead to marketing materials rather than handing out physical copies.
Use the lead retrieval system to capture show leads instead of collecting business cards.

Food & Beverage

Order seasonal and local produce to help reduce your carbon footprint.
Food and beverage served within the booth will use reusable china service or compostable and recyclable service ware.
Host a water cooler within the booth.
Recycle plastic water bottles in booth.

Exhibitors who wish to sign the Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge and submit their logo for recognition, should login to their eBooth and click Exhibitor Required Documents. The deadline to participate is Oct. 21.

Thank you to the following IAAPA Expo 2022 Exhibitors who have signed the Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge! (click the right arrow to view the logos)