Innovations in sustainability will be on show at AIME 2020, as Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) marches towards achieving its mission of being a leader in delivering environmentally-sustainable events.
MCEC Chief Executive Peter King announced that the organisation recently appointed Samantha (Sam) Ferrier as Sustainability Manager with the intention of cementing MCEC as the number one environmentally friendly venue in Australia.
“Sam’s brief is simple – to seek out best practice in green, eco-friendly options and make it easier and more cost-effective for both customers to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their events,” Mr King said.
“Sustainability is something that Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre takes seriously and while the industry as a whole has a long way to go, we’re constantly researching and trialling innovative ways that we can reduce our impact on the environment.”
MCEC Sustainability Manager Sam Ferrier said she is excited to have joined a venue who has already implemented so many environmental wins that will have significant flow-on benefits.
“After a rigorous selection process, we recently appointed Melbourne’s Cirrus Fine Coffee – the first Australian coffee company to be 100 per cent carbon offset from tree to cup – as our official supplier,” she explained.
“Coffee is a big deal in this city, so we wanted a partner whose product is top notch and also shares our passion for caring for the planet.
“As part of its commitment to sustainability, Cirrus accepts all of its packaging back to be recycled through its established recycling channels, leaving zero waste for its customers.
“We have installed 36 permanent Food Cubes on our courtyard that will become an event focal point. Each cube can grow 25kg of produce and will be used to grow herbs and other food for Goldfields Café & Bar.”
MCEC has long prided itself on ensuring it has tailored options for events regardless of size or budget.
“We have a range of options for all events, large and small, to help minimise their carbon footprint,” Ms Ferrier said.
“On a day-to-day basis, our 100 Mile Menu incorporates delicious locally grown ingredients, supports local producers and generates a lighter carbon footprint.
“We are here to inspire our clients and work with them to create greener events. Eco-friendly events are more than cursory gestures, such as providing recycling bins, and the process doesn’t have to be difficult.”
This year at AIME, MCEC has teamed up with renowned events and exhibition hire company, Harry the Hirer, to demonstrate sustainability in action.
The Sustainability Hub exhibitor stand positions MCEC and Harry the Hirer as experts in sustainable event design.
“We’ve partnered with Harry the Hirer to demonstrate best practice in environmentally-friendly events and demonstrate the different eco-options available,” Ms Ferrier said.
“The Sustainability Hub showcases practical ways to make events greener, including considerations around stand design, food and drink, venue choice and green power.
“An interactive wall within the Hub, invites AIME attendees to come and share their barriers towards hosting more environmentally-friendly events. It is my hope that the Sustainability Hub will ‘plant a seed’ for organisers or suppliers who may be at the beginning of their sustainability journey.”
AIME is held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 17–19, 2020.
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