EIBTM, the global event for the meetings and events industry, has announced that the Sustainability Stand Award will feature again this year as part of a wider strategy to encourage exhibitors to take a sustainable approach to their participation in the show, which will take place in Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, from November 19-21, 2013.

Judged by an expert independent panel, the Sustainability Stand Award recognises exhibitors placing the most emphasis on sustainability at EIBTM. Switzerland Convention&Incentive Bureau were named as the winner of last year’s Sustainability Award due to their demonstration of best practice and leadership in the field.

The Switzerland Tourism stand at EIBTM 2012 was created using sustainably sourced wood and low energy lighting, and had been recycled at exhibitions for the previous three years, with a view to it being in use a further five years. Staff on the Switzerland Tourism stand were also encouraged to attend sustainability related education sessions and bring less literature during the event.

Barbra Steuri-Albrecht, Director, Switzerland Convention&Incentive Bureau commented, “To receive the EIBTM Sustainability Award was a great recognition for Switzerland Convention&Incentive Bureau (SCIB). It was a true reward for the many smaller and bigger results we achieved in Switzerland over the last few years together with our regions, centers, destinations and hotels. It has been, and still is a great motivation to continue our sustainability efforts at these different levels and to share best practice examples with our clients and other interested parties.”

EIBTM provides a dedicated education stream that includes a range of education, advice clinics, case studies and best practices delivered by industry experts in the Sustainable Events Corner during the three-day event. This feature provides information on sustainability and how it can be practically implemented into events, venues and the industry supply chain. For further information on Sustainability education available from EIBTM visit www.eibtm.com/sustainablecorner

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions, EIBTM Exhibition Director, commented, “Sustainability is one of the key elements of EIBTM and we are committed to continuing to make positive changes. Since introducing our sustainability objectives in 2009 we have reduced our waste by over 79%, which is great and allows us to increase our goal even further in coming years. The Sustainability Award is part of our overall sustainability strategy, recognising the work of our exhibitors in contributing towards our sustainability objectives as part of our involvement to achieve ISO 20121 certification.”