A single-minded determination to demonstrate its strong environmental values and the expert help of a dedicated exhibition stand construction company – Expoforce - have helped the Sri Lankan Convention Bureau to become the first ever winner of the IMEX Green Exhibitor Award.

In the opinion of the judges for this important new award, the Sri Lankan Convention Bureau displayed a good deal of imagination and a detailed commitment to ‘going green’ that was unmatched by other entrants in this year’s competition.

The stand, which was planned and built by long-established stand construction experts, Expoforce AG, features a variety of non-toxic materials such as natural sisal floor covering and water-soluble paint.

Its durable, lightweight aluminium frame can be reused up to 65 times while 90% of its graphic artwork can be re-used an estimated four to six times. Both details will deliver measurable cost savings over the lifetime of the stand. The use of low voltage lighting and open-roofing also allows maximum use of ambient light from the hall floor and reduces the stand’s total electricity consumption.

Where possible, the Sri Lankan team have also ensured that all printed materials used during IMEX have been printed double-sided and that all paper is recycled. The stand builders also recommended that no water be used on the stand to reduce environmental cost still further.

Says Carina Bloom, IMEX Marketing and Operations Director, “This new award has been set up to recognise and reward an IMEX exhibitor who has made demonstrable efforts to exhibit in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. We have been delighted with the first year’s response to this new award and we are keen to expand this initiative in the years to come.”

“The exhibition industry is perhaps not best known for its environmental credentials so we hope that, by clearly demonstrating that ‘going green’ can be both easy and affordable, more exhibitors will begin to recognise the benefits of changing their approach, not just for the three days they are at IMEX but all year round.”

Accepting the award from Chairman, Ray Bloom, at last night’s IMEX Gala Dinner, Achini Dandunnage of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau said, “Winning the IMEX Green Exhibitor award is a tremendous boost to our countrymen who endeavour to make Sri Lanka a Green Island. Sri Lanka is truly an eco-touristic destination and we want to project that to the world.”

Walter Folletti, Director of Sales, Expoforce AG says, “Winning an award is nice, but for me it is a side effect. I want to motivate everybody, using as much reusable material and products as possible whenever possible. The winning of this award should be an inducement for us all.  It is our duty to start now and to protect our environment from more and more pollution. I’m absolutely convinced: The next generation will appreciate our efforts!”