Shining the spotlight on sustainability success: applications invited for IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award

From today, business event organisations can shine a light on their sustainability successes and share their learnings with others by applying for the 2023 IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award.

The award – open to organisers, venues and suppliers – champions the ambition and achievements of teams who are raising the bar in sustainable event innovation. The closing deadline is 6th February 2023.

Applications are now open for the award which has been designed to celebrate meeting, incentive and exhibition professionals driving sustainability through innovation, collaboration and idea-sharing.

Their accomplishments will be reviewed by a global panel of judges from across the business events sector, with the winner announced at the IMEX Frankfurt Gala Dinner in May.

The judges lending their experience and expertise are:

• Courtney Lohmann – Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, PRA Business Events
• Jaime Nack – President, Three Squares Inc
• Roger Simons – Director of Sustainability, Marina Bay Sands
• Stephanie Jones – Managing Director, Professional Development and Event Strategy, Water Environment Federation
• Bettina Reventlow-Mourier – Deputy Convention Director – Head of Congress, Copenhagen Convention Bureau and winner of the 2022 IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award.

The awards place a very deliberate focus on innovation and creative thinking. These skills are key to driving environmental improvements as evidenced at the recent UN Climate Change Conference COP27 where innovative approaches to tackle climate change were highlighted, notably in the areas of energy, food and buildings.

IMEX
IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award winner of 2022, Copenhagen Convention Bureau. Foto: IMEX Group

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains: “With the need for climate-friendly solutions growing ever greater, innovation is accelerating at a pace. Since the launch of the award in 2003 we’ve marvelled at the many ways in which the business events sector has responded to the climate crisis with powerful, original thinking.

“According to a survey at IMEX America by Encore, an EIC strategic partner, 45 percent of planners believe social impact to be the most powerful way that events can effect change. The IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award champions initiatives that create a positive impact on both the environment and communities.”

EIC CEO Amy Calvert added, “It is important to note that the IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award has been designed to celebrate event professionals driving sustainability forward through innovation, collaboration and idea sharing.

“One of the most inspirational aspects of this award is the ability to share the stories of unified efforts and impact driven by steadfast commitment to the notion that together we are stronger.”

Business event professionals worldwide are invited to apply for the IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award. The deadline is 6th February 2023 and more details can be found here. The winner will be announced at the IMEX Frankfurt Gala Dinner in May.