The Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau introduces a first-of-its-kind Pavilion focused on sustainability and carbon reduction, marking a new chapter in eco-friendly event management.
Singapore 25 October 2024 – The Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) unveiled an innovative Singapore Pavilion at IMEX America 2024, setting a sustainability benchmark for global tradeshows. Designed with sustainability and decarbonisation in mind, the Pavilion marks SECB’s efforts to advance carbon-neutral practices across international business events. This eco-conscious design successfully reduces booth-related emissions by 45%, reflecting Singapore’s ongoing commitment to sustainable progress in the meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
Eileen Lee, Senior Vice President for the Americas at SECB, commented, “As we mark 50 years of hosting world-class business events, we are advancing sustainable strategies. Our Pavilion at IMEX America 2024 integrates comprehensive decarbonisation measures, from conception through execution.”
Highlights of the Singapore Pavilion include a 75% reduction in carpet usage—the first such initiative by Singapore at an international event—alongside energy-efficient LED lighting and sustainable furniture crafted from oriented strand board (OSB). To further the Pavilion’s environmental impact, SECB plans to repurpose and reuse materials for IMEX America 2025, emphasizing circular economy practices.
To ensure accurate carbon monitoring, SECB collaborates with a third-party organization to track booth-related emissions and travel plans of participating partners. These insights, together with data on plant-based meal adoption, will help refine future sustainability strategies for SECB’s international participation. Singapore’s commitment to low-impact events is underscored by its MICE Sustainability Roadmap and the Singapore Green Plan 2030, both of which guide the city’s ambition as a sustainable business destination.
In addition to IMEX America, SECB will co-present SITE Nite North America with IMEX and the Society of Incentive Travel Executives, featuring a charity golf event. Proceeds will benefit Nevada-based charities: Spread the Word Nevada, The Shade Tree, Noah’s Animal House, and Opportunity Village. The initiative aligns with Singapore’s “World’s Best MICE City” campaign, further illustrating how business events can positively impact host communities.
Building on its Going Global Toolkit, launched in May 2024, SECB and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) will also introduce the ASAE Insight Brief on International Meetings during IMEX America. These insights aim to guide associations and planners on global meeting strategies. The educational session will feature industry leaders like Steven Henry, Senior Director of Meetings for the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), and Bethany Coleman, Director of Event Management at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
