Singapore showcases event sustainability leadership and global collaborations at IMEX America 2024

Singapore/Las Vegas, 9 October 2024 – For the first time, the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) unveils a new Singapore Pavilion that embodies the principles of sustainability and decarbonisation from conception to execution, reaffirming Singapore’s commitment to sustainability in the global meetings industry. The Pavilion sets a new benchmark with initiatives that reduces booth-related emissions by 45%[1] and aims for carbon-neutral participation at key international meetings tradeshows, including IMEX America.

Ms Eileen Lee, Senior Vice President, Americas, SECB, said: "As we celebrate 50 years of excellence in hosting major global business events, we’re focused on shaping a sustainable future. Our Pavilion at IMEX America 2024 represents a significant leap forward in sustainable event practices, incorporating decarbonisation strategies at every stage.”

The Pavilion’s features include:

• A 75% reduction in carpet usage – a first for Singapore at any international tradeshow

• Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the Pavilion

• Sustainable furnishings crafted from oriented strand board[2]

• Repurposing and reusing the entire Singapore Pavilion for future tradeshows, including IMEX America 2025, embracing circular economy principles

To holistically address its carbon footprint, SECB is undertaking comprehensive monitoring of all booth-related carbon emissions by a third party. This includes tracking travel plans for exhibiting partners and increasing plant-based meal options. The data collected will be meticulously analysed to refine carbon reduction strategies for subsequent participation, demonstrating SECB's long-term commitment to sustainable event practices and the IMEX people and planet pledge.

As the leading sustainable business events destination in Asia Pacific, Singapore continues its journey as a City in Nature, where large experiences come with small footprints, guided by its MICE Sustainability Roadmap and the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

Driving impact with the global meetings community

As IMEX America 2024 unfolds, Singapore's presence will be felt beyond the exhibition hall.

SECB will co-present SITE Nite North America, with the Society of Incentive Travel Executives and IMEX, featuring the 'Singapore Hole in One' where the meetings industry tees off for a worthy cause. Proceeds raised will be donated to four local Nevada-based charities, including: Spread the Word Nevada, The Shade Tree, Noah’s Animal House, and Opportunity Village. Aligned with Singapore’s ‘World's Best MICE City’ global campaign, these initiatives exemplify how business events can leave a positive and lasting impact on host communities.

Building on the success of the Going Global Toolkit launched in May 2024, SECB and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) will unveil the ASAE Insight Brief on International Meetings at IMEX America, providing associations and meeting planners with guidance on their international meetings strategy. These insights will be discussed at ASAE’s educational session that features a panel of distinguished speakers including Steven Henry, Senior Director of Meetings for the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), and Bethany Coleman, Director of Event Management at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). 

1. Reduction in carbon emissions by 9.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which equals to 23,530 miles (37,867km) driven by an average gasoline-powered vehicle.

2. An oriented strand board (OSB) is a wood panel created by resin bonding together, forming thin layers of wood and shares many of the strength and performance characteristics of plywood. Relative to their strength, OSB panels are lightweight and easy to handle and install.    

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About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

About Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau

As the lead agency for the business events sector in Singapore, the Singapore Exhibition & Convention BureauTM, a group under the Singapore Tourism Board, is responsible for shaping and retaining Singapore’s exceptional reputation as one of the world’s best business events destinations. Our mission is to grow, nurture and reinforce Singapore’s reputation as a dynamic business events destination by drawing on its extensive network of people, technology and ideas to facilitate the delivery of memorable and high-quality meetings.

About Singapore’s MICE Sustainability Roadmap

Co-developed by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau (SECB) and Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), the MICE Sustainability Roadmap sets out clear targets and strategies to raise sustainability standards across Singapore’s MICE industry over the next few years. The roadmap is guided by the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.

Since the roadmap’s launch in 2022, SECB has spearheaded the development of national MICE sustainability standards, positioning Singapore as one of the first countries in the world to commence a national MICE Industry Carbon and Waste Baseline exercise in 2023, and continues to drive initiatives that will lead to a more sustainable meetings industry.