Embracing the ongoing sustainability revolution, the International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services (IFES) will reinforce the importance of sustainability and how it affects the industry presently and in the future at IFES 2013 World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 27-29.
Creating Value in the Global Exhibition Industry to Ensure Growth and Sustainability is the theme of the Summit brought by IFES, an association acting as a business and knowledge exchange platform for its members who are involved in the international market.
Hosting the IFES World Summit is the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), a venue with a mission to become a world leader in sustainable initiatives – something that attracted IFES.
“It is important to us that CTICC is a green-conscious convention centre as one of the goals of IFES is to set international standards and promote greening,” said Gloria Guevara, executive director, IFES. Designed to be environmentally friendly, the CTICC also follows green practices in its day-to-day operations. “I was very impressed with the CTICC. The architecture is unique and the quality of the auditorium top level.”
Giving the keynote address at the Summit is environmental entrepreneur and novelist Jason Drew.
“A keynote speaker with an environmental message that would contribute to the theme of the meeting was important,” said Guevara. “Jason can speak to this central theme very well. He has lived in South Africa for some time but is originally from the UK and still spends a considerable amount of time abroad.”
Speaking on corporate governance, business and sustainability, Drew will address the sustainability revolution – what could happen to those who don’t embrace it and the roles of businesses during the transition.
“The sustainability revolution will be more exciting, faster paced and more durable than the Industrial Revolution,” Drew stated. He will also discuss how sustainability impacts business practices, technology, legislation and civilization.
During the summit, the IFES Award on Sustainability will recognize companies practicing and promoting sustainability. Nominated are three international companies specializing in stand design and other services: Scan Display, Bluepool and Melinski. After the award is handed out on June 28, the winner will receive complimentary passes to the 2014 IFES World Summit in Delhi, India.
Greening strategies such as carbon offsetting, minimalizing waste, energy efficiency, conserving water and more will also be implemented by IFES at the Summit.
Pairing a total of 78 local and international delegates for a game of golf at Milnerton Links Golf Club, IFES kicks off the Summit with this networking event on June 27. The golf club has 18 holes, is par 72 and has hosted Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) tours. An informal South African barbecue and cocktails will follow soon after.
