INDUSTRY NEWS
food from conventions and events for more than 15 years. Leaving the SDCC behind, a leap over the Atlantic shifts the focus to beMatrix, one of Belgium’s leading producers of modular components. Like California, the EU was a pioneer of corporate social responsibility, and that sentiment is reflected in every move that beMatrix takes. In their publication “be anything. and above all be sustainable,” the company states that “sustainability is one of our key drivers and a core theme in every department of our business,” explaining “we actively contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” And just like Absolute Exhibits, beMatrix reflects CSR in its products; for every five aluminum frames sold, the company sponsors one square meter of new forest growth. At the helm is Edwin Van Der Vennet, and the award-winning entrepreneur lives and breathes CSR. As CEO of exhibitdesign, Mark Bendickson, comments, “You know, I don’t think I know anyone more passionate about green manufacturing and the environment than Edwin Van Der Vennet.” Keeping the attention on Europe, the ExCeL London is a convention and event center in the east end of the British capital, and just like their neighbors in Belgium, ExCel London considers CSR an integral component of their identity. As a participant in the U.N. Global Compact Scheme (the world’s largest CSR initiative, which creates relationships with companies
that share universal principles on human rights, labor, the environment and anti-corruption), ExCel London takes the concept of corporate social responsibly to a whole new level. “At ExCeL London, we are passionate about creating a meaningful and inspiring legacy,” explains Lucy Merritt, head of marketing and communications. “CSR forms an important part of our strategy, from working with charities to address the increasing need for food donations or sponsoring community events, through to responding to the growing global crisis of managing single-use plastic by identifying ways in which our venue can reduce the amount of plastic waste generated whilst making it easier for our guests to make sustainable choices.” Recycling and general use trash cans are located throughout the venue, with cardboard, plastics and paper segregated on-site. ExCel London even recycles food waste at their very own commercial wormery (and with more than 300,000 worms, it is also the U.K.’s largest). But that’s not all; every drop of used vegetable oil is converted into bio fuel. “Our waste metrics are reviewed on a monthly basis” reveals Merritt, “and we set annual targets to continuously reduce waste and we undertake annual audits, certified to both international environmental standards ISO14001 and ISO20121.” And there is real value to the fine-tooth comb approach taken by ExCel London. As Merritt comments, “events by their very nature can be
wasteful entities, with leftover stand materials, packaging, brochures, delegate bags, promotional items and food waste. One of our main priorities is to ensure our customers are aware of our sustainability objectives and that they help to uphold our policies.” But not everyone can compete with ExCel London. In fact, some entities are just beginning their journey. Highway 85 Creative is an exhibit house in Glendale, Ariz., and 2019 marks a new direction for the firm as they begin to focus on the place of CSR in their business. “We work in such an international industry,” explains Joe Anderson, marketing and business development, “meaning we all flock to certain cities where our presence puts a strain on local resources. It was then that we realized it was important to give back to those communities affected by our work. As a result, one of our big priorities for the coming year will be employee volunteering days.” “The idea actually came from one of our team members,” continues Anderson, “and together as a company, we brainstormed programs that will include working with children’s charities, local food banks and Habitat for Humanity.” However, this isn’t Highway 85’s first foray into the greater good. Following the success of the firm’s podcast studio at last year’s EXHIBITORLIVE, the creative minds at Highway 85 decided to rebuild the space in Glendale for use by the local community, free of charge. The facility has been a hotbed for local recording
Cobo Center Living Green Roof
artists ever since. And speaking of studios, sitting in the heart of Providence, R.I., the Dunkin Donuts Center is a live music hub complete with a 100,000-sq.ft. convention hall and 23 meeting rooms. But for all its size, the intimate nature of life in ‘lil Rhody’ means the center is closely connected with the needs of the local community. Just under two miles away sits the Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and its mission is one of the most difficult in the state. In March 2018, the staff at the Dunkin Donuts Center brought the Harlem Globetrotters to visit the hospital’s brave young patients and perform some of the finest tricks in basketball. The visit was a sensation, bringing light and hope to those who need it the most. “We believe in community and a commitment to spread the wealth,” explains Cheryl Cohen, director of marketing, public relations and booking. “In addition to supporting the children at the hospital, we work with Toys for Tots and the Marines, as well as the local chapter of the Make-AWish Foundation.” “Event organizers often ask us what charitable activities they can get involved in,” continues Cohen, “and we are more than happy to help. To date, philanthropic activities have included working with Rhode Island Community Food Bank and the Providence
38 March/April 2019 Exhibit City News
036_CSR_0319.indd 3
2/12/19 10:15 PM