Sostenibilidad en IAAPA Expo Europa

• Recycling of all carpet laid to gangways and public areas.
• Use of compostable materials for plates and cutlery in all venue catering outlets to reduce plastic materials.
• Food donation partnership with Gastrofira to support "BCB Comparteix el Menjar", a program by Nutrition without Borders that recovers surplus food from catering services in the venue to reduce waste and support those in need.
• Free access to local students on Thursday - Student Track "Explore Career in the Attractions Industry".
• Opportunity for attendees to contribute to the IAAPA Foundation scholarship fund through donations and purchase of a charitable item.
• Digital distribution of all Education session handouts.
• Digital administration of Education session surveys.
• Digital distribution of Exhibitor materials.
• Reduction of printed signage whenever possible.
• Badge design eliminates the need for additional badge holders; tickets are integrated with badges instead of printed separately.
• Collection and recycling of lanyards and badges at the end of the Expo.
• Show bag production limited to 50% of expected attendance and designed for reuse.
• Provision of a Quiet Room.
• Publicising booths constructed using more sustainable materials.

IAAPA has partnered with companies that support IAAPA’s sustainability initiatives. The following are some of their sustainability efforts at this year’s Expo:

4 For Everything

Sustainable Materials: The event will use 100% sustainable modular structures (Aluvision), recyclable PVC-free carpet, PEFC-certified wood, water-based paints, and LED lighting. Material reuse and rentals will be prioritized to reduce waste.

Waste Management: Waste will be sorted into clearly labelled containers (cardboard/paper, plastics/metals, and other waste). Non-recyclable materials will be returned to the warehouse for proper disposal by certified waste managers.

Worker Safety & Regulation Compliance: All workers will be registered, provided with proper PPE, and will adhere to occupational risk prevention rules. Work hours will be tracked ensuring fair labour conditions as per collective agreements.

Local Sourcing: The project will prioritise local suppliers and chose accommodations within walking distance, which will reduce transport emissions and support the local economy.

Awareness and Transparency: The sustainability plan is shared to raise awareness among stakeholders, and a dedicated sustainability department is available for inquiries.

Fira Gran Via, Barcelona

Energy Efficiency: Utilisation of 100% renewable energy sources, including a rooftop photovoltaic plant with 25,900 solar panels generating 5.86 GWh annually, reducing CO₂ emissions.

Waste Management: Implementation of selective waste collection, on-site paper compacting.

Sustainable Food & Beverage: Focus on reducing food waste, sourcing 60% of ingredients locally, and minimizing single-use plastics in catering operations.

Sustainable Services: Prioritisation of eco-design in stand construction, using recyclable materials, and offering sustainable signage alternatives to reduce environmental impact.

Social Commitment: Collaboration with local entities to promote social. Mobility & Accessibility: Providing electric vehicle charging stations and ensuring venue accessibility to all attendees.

Water Conservation: Reducing water consumption by installing waterless urinals and using groundwater for outdoor fountains.

Sustainable Supply Chain: Working with local suppliers adhering to environmental and social criteria, promoting a sustainable and responsible supply chain.

Assurance that all efforts align with:

• MCI Group’s net-zero by 2030 commitment and ISO 20121 (Sustainable Events) certification.

Exhibitors are a large part of IAAPA’s Expos. IAAPA invites our exhibitors to participate in the Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge. Each company must commit to a minimum of 7 sustainability items during the Expo within the following categories:

• Reducing Energy Use and Transport Emissions
• Designing for Reuse and Resource Efficiency
• Minimizing Emissions and Packaging from Logistics
• Preventing Waste and Lower the Environmental Footprint
• Offering Sustainable and Low-Waste Food & Beverage
• Responsible Sourcing and Accessibility

See the full list of items here.

Thank you to the following companies that have taken this year’s Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge - Coming Soon!