Following a gradual shift in global attitudes towards environmental protection, IMEX and industry partners, the Green Meeting Industry Council, today announced both a new name and a new format for their joint annual industry awards.

The previously-named ‘Environmentally Responsible Meeting Awards’ will become the ‘Green Meeting Awards’, while ‘Programmes of Purpose’ are now called the ‘Commitment to the Community Awards.’

The changes reflect both the increasingly common worldwide use of the word ‘green’ to cover everything from global warming to recycled paper and the desire of many companies in the meetings, conferences and incentive travel market to support their local communities.

IMEX research has found that 75% of meetings and incentive travel buyers believe that issues of corporate social responsibility (CSR) will become progressively more important every year.  In addition, 42% said that they already take environmental considerations into account when planning meetings, conferences or incentive travel programmes.

The Green Meeting Industry Council was founded in 2003 and aims to improve meeting management practices by promoting environmentally responsible strategies in the hospitality industry, corporations, government, and community organisations. It is also committed to supporting economic, environmental and community objectives within the meeting industry.

Says Carina Bloom, IMEX Marketing and Operations Director, “This is a significant partnership for both organisations and one that requires resources and detailed commitment on both sides. However, we believe that by continuing to develop it each year, we can achieve real progress and, with green issues in particular, there’s clearly no time to waste. Where IMEX can deliver a high volume of market coverage through our exhibitor and intermediary relationships, the Council matches us with its expertise, knowledge and practice guidance.”

Amy Spatrisano co-founder of The Green Meeting Industry Council says, “The Green Meeting Industry Council is honoured to be partnering with IMEX in these ground breaking awards. Building industry awareness about the importance and impact of corporate responsibility and environmental practices is essential for organisations to continue to thrive and grow.”

IMEX will once again combine toolkits, best practice case studies and other environmental and corporate social responsibility information in a dedicated Corporate Responsibility Pavilion in 2006. Specialist consultants will also be on hand to offer guidance and advice for companies who want to start up CSR schemes. 

This initiative is part of IMEX’s broader New Vision Campaign which aims to make measurable progress on several key industry issues such as professional education, youth, environment and technology.