Evidence of industry ‘greening’ at AIME 2008

MELBOURNE – The strong showcase of environmentally friendly products at this year’s Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) is further evidence of the rapid ‘greening’ of the industry.

Leading the charge is AIME 2008 itself, which has announced it will be Australia’s first Climate Neutral™ exhibition.

Event venue and exhibitor Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will showcase its new Melbourne Convention Centre - the first convention centre in the world to have achieved a ‘6 Star Green Star’ environmental rating.

Another international venue exhibitor, the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, also has an extensive environmental program.

One of the many exhibitors from Asia, the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, has become the first hotel in Hong Kong to install a new hybrid fuel system for hot water and steam throughout the hotel.

Emirates will be revealing its US$100 million investment to build a luxury, conservation-based resort in Australia’s Blue Mountains. Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is its first hospitality development outside Dubai.

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts will feature information on its new environmentally aware hotel brand, Andaz London.

EcoPoint Resorts, which already operates two resorts in Australian national parks, will reveal details of the opening of new property EcoPoint Wollemi Reach Resort in NSW.

Another exhibitor, the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, has been awarded one of three prestigious sustainability awards at the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific in Hong Kong, recognising its efforts in reducing the hotel’s water, waste and energy consumption, as well as its involvement in staff and community education programs on sustainability.

From New Zealand, in the region of North Canterbury, an entire wine-growing area, the Waipara region, is detailing its plans to go green.

AIME will feature two Master Classes on green events, one of which will be chaired by Sandra Chipchase, CEO of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau.

AIME 2008 will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on February 19 and 20. AIME is organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions on behalf of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau.