An Eco-Friendly Trade Show

On-going initiatives to produce a greener environment for our trade show attendees and the industry continue to be a priority for SIA. Being “green” is not a new concept for us. The snow sports industry has always been comprised of conservationists; it’s part of our heritage, our livelihood and passion for winter sports requires a healthy environment.

• ECOsource Market Segment Exhibit. This special exhibit features products and initiatives/practices that are either made from recycled materials, were recyclable and/or sustainable. The exhibit booth is constructed from recycled, recyclable and/or sustainable materials to continue to support SIA’s eco-mission. Learn more about ECOsource and our industry’s environmental awareness.
• Digital Press Room. Sponsored by W.L. Gore, exhibitor press kits, in a digital format only, are accessible via computer terminals located in the Press Room on the Show floor.
• Water Bottles. At the SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show, SIA and Sessions collaborated to provide water bottles that were available to retailers in “premium retailer bags” and other attendees as well. Water stations were located on the Show floor for “FREE” refills as well as in the Sessions booth. Visit sessions.com.
• Carpet. All aisle carpet throughout the Show Floor is made from recycled materials. Over 18,800 yards of recycled carpet will be used to line the SIA SnowSports Trade Show.
• Waste Receptacles. SIA, in cooperation with Mandalay Bay, has 100% recycled waste receptacles as well as containers for recyclables such as plastic, glass, metal, etc. located throughout the Show Floor and Lobby.
• Recycling. During the move in and move out process, SIA works with GES Exhibitions to develop a system to recycle cardboard boxes, plastic, paper and other materials deemed recycle friendly. Over 35,640 lbs of paper was recycled during the SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show saving:
  -- 303 trees (1.2 acres)
  -- 123 Barrells of Oil (2,399 gallons of gasoline)
  -- 124,740 Gallons of Water (.5 Olympic swimming pools)
  -- 71,280 Kilowatts of Energy (enough to power 8 homes for a year)
• Renewable Energy Certificates. For the second year in a row, SIA purchased renewable energy certificates from Renewable Choice Energy in the amount of 225,000kWH for 100% of the electric power used during the SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show. This purchase prevented 313,200 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere. SIA’s Headquarters are powered 100% by Renewable Choice Energy. Renewable Choice Energy is the national leader in providing renewable energy certificates sourced from clean and renewable alternatives such as wind generated power and hydropower. renewablechoice.com
• Premium Retailer Bags. At the SIA.08 SnowSports Trade Show, SIA was proud to have produced a high-quality Premium Messenger Bag made primarily of post-consumer recycled PET plastic. 2,000 lucky buyers registered for the Show will be happy to know that the bag they are using year round was made of HOYU Textiles – CyclePET fabric. This fabric is made of clear plastic water and packaging containers just like those featured in the ECOSource area at the SIA SnowSports Trade Show. Over 20,000 16oz water bottles were recycled and reused in the gray and orange messenger bags.
• SnowSports Institute Seminar. Alison Gannett, President of Save Our Snow Foundation and a global cooling consultant, was on hand to discuss how to “green” your business and save money and the planet at the same time at last year's SIA SnowSports Trade Show.
• Greener Vegas Convention Partner. SIA is proud to be listed as a partner in contributing to a greener Las Vegas. Visit greenervegas.org to learn more. Click here to download a Greener Vegas Recycling Authorization Form.

GES Green Exhibition Products & Operational Efforts:

• 100% recycled carpet
• 100% recyclable carpet padding made with 98% pre and post consumer content
• Biodegradable trash bags and wastebaskets made from 100% recycled materials
• Using online and CD distribution for 60% of show exhibitor manuals rather than paper
• Recycling carpet and padding
• Utilizing energy efficient lighting
• Recycling steel and aluminum exhibit structures
• Purchasing recycled paper and signage products

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and THEhotel. An Eco-Friendly Hotel and Convention Center

Committed to reducing the environmental impact of its conventions, Mandalay Bay uses recycled materials and reuses items throughout the hotel and convention center.

• The main shipping and receiving dock is the center point for all trash removal. This area has a recycling program setup to sort through all trash and pull items that are recyclable.
• A food composting station is in all kitchen areas to dispose of all food.
• Opt In and Opt Out programs for all hotel guests for linen service to conserve water.
• All guest rooms have electronic energy savings thermostats.
• The parking structure, casino and convention center foyers have compact fluorescent lighting.
• All back of the house flooring has been replaced with a Mondo surface made of natural rubber and/or synthetic rubber harvested from the Hevea tree, which is not harmed and continues to reproduce.