AIME trains new vision on sustainability with new partnerships for 2019 event

Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has announced partnerships with companies set to champion sustainability at the 2019 event in Melbourne, 18-20 February. The partnerships will see green initiatives showcased by host venue Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), while stand designers Decorative Events & Exhibitions (DE&E) will produce new innovative exhibitor stands, and Harry the Hirer is on board with the initiative through construction of bespoke infrastructure for the three-day event. “As part of our new vision we applied rigorous curation in all aspects of our planning, which includes setting our sights far beyond 2019 – forming the foundation for AIME events in years to come”, said Jay Martens, Event Director, Talk2 Media & Events. MCEC was the first convention centre in the world to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star environmental rating and, over the past three years, has reduced carbon emissions per square metre by 16%, and is on track to achieve its target of 30% by 2021 against 2015 levels. “We replaced over 600 light fittings to energy-efficient alternatives and have eliminated the use of all plastic water bottles in catering. These initiatives demonstrate that we are going far beyond a ‘tick box’ approach by implementing unique and innovative measures, which benefit Melbourne, the local community, and more directly, AIME’s environmental impact”, said Leighton Wood, Chief Operating Officer, MCEC. DE&E and their award-winning design team have created ‘The Embassy Suite’, a new stand concept designed for AIME. The Embassy Suites are built with natural materials such as timber, which can be reused and recycled with ease. The suites will be packed down and stored for exhibitors so they can be reused at AIME for three years. If exhibitors choose to not reuse the stand, the team will reuse, repurpose, rehire and reupholster to minimise waste. Melbourne was ranked the number one sustainable city for business events in the Asia-Pacific region, according to the Global Destinations Index. Karen Bolinger CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), proprietors of AIME, said: “Making Melbourne a sustainable destination for international and domestic business events is a key goal for the MCB. Adapting to make our city and the events it hosts sustainable takes commitment from everyone – and we are proud of our partners championing sustainability at this year’s AIME and with consideration for future AIME events to come,” said Karen Bolinger, CEO, MCB. For full show details, visit: aime.com.au