IMEX America, booked for its inaugural show at the Sands Expo Convention Center at the Venetian/Palazzo in Las Vegas October 11–13, 2011, will work with MeetGreen as its sustainability consultant, continuing the strong environmental track record of the IMEX Group.

During the next year, IMEX Group and its many partners will work closely with Portland, Ore.–based MeetGreen to set green standards for transportation, food and beverage, and the venue in particular, according to an IMEX press release.

Earlier this year the Las Vegas Sands Corp. unveiled Eco 360, a broad-ranging energy efficiency and environmental initiative. With the recent Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification of the Venetian and the convention center, the combined properties now constitute the largest adjoined LEED-certified building in the world.

With the launch of its first trade show for the international meetings, events, and incentive travel industry in Frankfurt eight years ago, the IMEX Group set out to establish new standards for environmental best practices in the exhibition industry. This year IMEX Frankfurt reduced its total waste output by 30 tons compared to 2009, reduced paper usage by 8 tons, and cardboard by 7.5 tons. The company also sets yearly environmental goals for the recycling and reuse of a wide range of other materials, including carpeting and visitor badges.

Says Amy Spatrisano, principal of MeetGreen, "Las Vegas is not usually top of mind when you think of sustainable destinations, yet there are great strides being made by Las Vegas venues. We're looking forward to working with IMEX America to support their commitment to produce a sustainable trade show."

IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer added, "IMEX America is going to be a unique model of trade show. The show’s three core pillars will make it unlike any other trade show in the U.S.: the largest hosted-buyer program in North America combined with an online appointment system; a focus on professional education supported by our strategic partner and major educational provider, Meeting Professionals International; and a dedication to sustainability and innovation. We intend to set some very demanding green standards for IMEX America, and MeetGreen's expertise and guidance, as well as their excellent industry partnerships, will play a fundamental role in helping us achieve our objectives."

Founded in 1994, MeetGreen works with global organizations to integrate sustainable practices into conferences and events that deliver targeted business results.

IMEX America will host 2,000 buyers from the association, corporate, and agency sectors at its inaugural show. Of those buyers, 80 percent will be from North America and all will place business internationally as well as in the United States. They will use the IMEX online appointment and diary messaging tools, which this year generated more than 57,000 group and individual business appointments between buyers and exhibitors at IMEX in Frankfurt.