VCEC and Canadian Waste & Recycling Expo Stage ‘Zero-Waste’ Event

Vancouver, BC (November 28, 2007) – The Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre (VCEC) and Messe Frankfurt, organizer of the Canadian Waste & Recycling Expo, November 27 – 29, 2007, are joining forces to create Vancouver’s first audited Zero-Waste event. The event will help establish sound standards for these types of events and is intended to encourage other event producers to adopt a similar approach to waste management.

Throughout the duration of the event, trash compactors at the centre will be sealed and all waste diverted to enhanced on-site recycling facilities. A detailed waste audit will be carried out at the conclusion of the event to document results and confirm that waste management objectives were met.

“As the largest and only national trade show in Canada serving the waste, recycling, and public works markets, we have a commitment to doing our part to help sustain the environment,” said Arnie Gess, CWRE’s show manager.

Demonstrating their commitment to the Zero-Waste program, the show and the VCEC have increased their on-site collection systems and, at the same time, are encouraging exhibitors to use recyclable and reusable materials in their booths and remove all materials they bring in. The VCEC will also use recyclable and reusable materials and products for all of its food service.

“This is a logical extension of the direction we have been moving in for some time in our environmental programs at the centre” said Catherine Wong, VCEC Vice President of Operations. “We have a range of initiatives that address everything from waste management and energy conservation to responsible purchasing, and these practices will be further enhanced by the capabilities designed into our new expansion. It’s particularly important to us that we move forward with programs that encourage and support our clients with their own environmental initiatives because, together we can make a big difference.”

About the VCEC
Since opening in 1987, the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre has been British Columbia’s flagship convention facility. In fiscal year 2007, the VCEC hosted 350 events, attracted 745,000 delegate days, and generated more than $240 million in economic impact for the province of B.C. When its major expansion completes, the VCEC will offer a combined total of nearly 500,000 square feet (46,450 square metres) of function space and will serve as the Main Media Centre for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. In addition to creating more than 6,700 person years of employment during construction, the expanded VCEC will generate more than 7,500 direct and indirect full-time jobs once it is completed in 2009.

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