Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) and Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) are launching a series of environmental initiatives for AIME 2008. Working closely with the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC), the key objective is for AIME 2008 to set a new benchmark for exhibitions in Australia, in terms of environmental impact.

“We are encouraging the meetings and incentive industries to support a range of changes that will help AIME to minimize any negative impact on the environment. Many of the procedures are simple to implement but will have an enormous effect on the footprint we leave behind,” said Sandra Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer of MCVB.

Rosemarie Sama, AIME Event Director, said RTE had began the process by moving to recycled stock for all its brochures and where possible reducing the quantity of material being produced for AIME 2008.

“We are using recycled stock and reducing the amount of material that we will be bringing on site. We will be recycling everything we can at AIME 2008, from badges and lanyards to paper, cardboard, glass and other materials.”

Ms Sama said hosted buyers and media will be provided with USB sticks for downloading material from exhibitors and that the AIME 2008 Media Office will be paperless.

“Exhibitors will be encouraged to reduce the amount of printed material they bring to the show, to use environmentally friendly materials and to provide all media kits on USBs. With the assistance of the MECC, which already has a number of recycling initiatives in place, AIME will be able to significantly reduce it waste.”

AIME 2008 will include a Master Class on Green Events with experts giving practical advice on how organisers of meetings, incentives, exhibitions and special events can all reduce their impact on the environment.

AIME will also work with supporting airlines and other bodies to provide a carbon offset program to address environmental impact issues, including greenhouse gas emissions. Hosted buyers, exhibitors and visitors who fly to AIME will be encouraged to participate in the program.

AIME 2008, Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on 19 & 20 February. 
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