Sustainability Journey
In 2024, Convening Leaders achieved Silver level in the EIC Sustainable Events Standards. This year, we’re going for gold! As a leader in the business events industry, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with CL25’s commitment to sustainability.
commitment
Understand PCMA’s passionate commitment to sustainability.
PCMA believes sustainability plays a central role in driving social and economic progress through business events. The environmental and social impacts of our events are key elements to economic progress and the future of the business events industry.
PCMA will act as a conductor for the business events industry by creating platforms and environments to drive sustainability leadership by advocating and showcasing the importance of sustainability by design approach to all and the impact it can deliver.
PCMA is committed to leading the global community forward through the creation of platforms and environments that will:
- Drive sustainability leadership
- Advocate for and showcase the importance of a Sustainability by Design approach
- Rethink our industry’s production, operations and revenue models
PCMA aims to strongly influence the growing business case for investments in sustainability, building trust and confidence to shape a future where every event is a catalyst for sustainability progress and inspiration.
PCMA Convening Leaders will continue to strive to reduce environmental impacts that lead to carbon emissions. PCMA is committed to employing carbon reduction solutions when planning the programs and initiatives at Convening Leaders and transparently reporting on those emissions that can’t be avoided.
In 2024, Convening Leaders achieved Silver level in the EIC Sustainable Events Standards. This year, we’re going for gold!
progress
Learn the actions we’re prioritizing this year to make progress.
Waste Stations:
Throughout the convention center you’ll find clearly labeled waste bin systems (recycle and landfill) to maximize clean waste streams.
Composting:
Serviceware such as plates and bowls are made from sugar cane. Forks, knives and spoons are commercially compostable products made from 100% U.S. grown corn.
Donation Programs:
Exhibit materials such as furniture and household items will be diverted from the landfill and donated to the local Habitat for Humanity and Building Materials Reuse Warehouse. We will be working with the Second Servings food rescue programs to help the community fight food insecurity.
Community Impact:
PCMA supports the location communities which host CL. Scheduled activities to see how you can support the Hospitality Helping Hands projects and join us for Party with a Purpose.
Support the Future Professionals:
PCMA offers the Next Gen Rate to Business Event Organizers and Business Event Suppliers who are early in their career.
Vendor Procurement and Sustainability Guides:
We implemented supply vetting systems and provided exhibitors with best practices to reduce the environmental impact of the expo.
Signage:
Convening Leaders eliminated foam core signage in favor of recyclable and reusable materials like honeycomb substrate long ago. Now we are looking to reduce all printed signage and move to digital through the convention center.
Reusables:
Look for water refill stations throughout the convention center to allow for easy water refill. You won’t find single-use plastic water bottles at our vendors anymore!
partnership
Meet the incredible partners helping implement strategies.
We’ve partnered with Honeycomb Strategies to manage the sustainability of our event.
Honeycomb Strategies provides sustainability expertise for live events and venues. We help trade shows, conferences, convention centers, arenas, and organizations identify sustainable solutions, engage stakeholders, develop data management systems and implement programs to measure impact so that events can thrive. From immediate action planning to long-term goals, our work helps clients demonstrate leadership and commitment to environmental and social sustainability. As a women-owned business and accredited B Corporation, Honeycomb Strategies aims to inspire people to see sustainability as both an opportunity and responsibility.
How Do Good Box Co. ENGAGES
The Do Good Box Co. is dedicated to creating resource management systems—waste bins—that are both effective and engaging for events and venues. Our mission is to design systems that are ENGAGING, INFORMATIVE, CUSTOMIZABLE, and EFFECTIVE, empowering users to actively participate in sustainability. Guided by a systematic approach to environmental challenges, we prioritize the principles of REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, with our innovative waste bin systems playing a pivotal role in maximizing waste diversion. Discover how we can work together to make a difference at www.the-boxproject.com.
How The George R. Brown Convention Center has EVOLVED
In 2022, the GRB achieved LEED Gold certification which requires the convention center to operate in a manner which saved energy, minimizes waste usage, reduces CO2 emissions, recycle waste materials and maintain high standards for indoors environmental quality.
How Heritage ENGAGES
Heritage is a family-owned, second-generation, full-service special event and trade show contractor. Heritage believes it is their duty to utilize their strategic position in the industry to shape it for the better. Heritage works not only to meet, but also exceed, all local, state and federal sustainability legislation and regulations. Continually improving the environmental and social sustainability impact of operations and best practices, including APEX/ASTM, are at the core of the business.
exploration
Find out how exhibitors and participants can make an individual impact.
Convening Leaders 2025 invites you to EXPLORE with the brightest minds and the most cutting-edge technologies, ENGAGE in a world where change is the only constant, and EVOLVE as you think about how sustainability is part of your career and leadership orbit.
Exhibitors:
- Create a lasting impact at PCMA CL25 by participating in the PMCA CL25 Sustainability Survey. Small actions like waste reduction, water and energy conservation, and sustainable procurement can make a significant difference when embraced by all exhibitors. Be sure to consult with Heritage on your expo orders.
- We encourage all exhibitors to limit paper waste. Providing information digitally to collect customer contact information for future follow-up is good for business and the environment. Every 8,300 sheets you don’t print saves one tree!
- Booth and business materials should be reusable at best and recyclable at worst. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a 100-watt light bulb for 20 hours, a computer for 3 hours, and a TV for 2 hours (Environmental Protection Agency). Talk to Heritage early about options for rental furniture and other sustainable materials for your booth build.
- For those items that can’t be reused by you, PCMA has partnered with The GRB and Honeycomb Strategies to offer a donation program which will serve the local community. For more details, see the Exhibitor Kit.
- Remember to pack in / pack out all materials. You are responsible for disposing of your waste correctly during move in and move out, as well as during your time at the event.
- If your exhibit provides samples, encourage attendees to forego packaging, or accommodate a reusable bag or cup provided by your patron.
- Follow procurement guidelines from show management – for sustainable, reusable and recyclable items:
- Signage — if you can, use digital signage like an iPad or flatscreen that can be used over and over. If this isn’t an option, print signs on honeycomb substrate or other recycled and recyclable material. Any flyers or cards should also follow this guidance.
- Swag — consider the gift guide linked here.
Participants:
- Recycling Made Simple: Make it matter by using the correct bin when discarding items. Recycling is single stream, meaning recyclable materials are sorted at the recycling facility. No need to sort your recycling at the event.
- Moderate consumption and plant-based foods: Take only what you need at food functions and choose to eat vegetarian at least one meal per day. This will help reduce carbon emissions associated with food production.
- Reuse and Reduce: Bring your favorite reusable water bottle or coffee mug to reduce your waste and resources footprint.
- Be energy smart: Remember to turn off lights when leaving your hotel room and participate in your hotel’s Linen Reuse Program which will conserve water.
- Alternative Transportation once in Houston: The 13-mile METRORail offers convenient accessible service within the heart of the city between downtown Houston and NRG Park, including the Theater District, Museum District and Texas Medical Center. The 5.3-mile North Line has a convenient stop just north of the GRB. The Green and Purple North Lines connect the Convention District to Houston’s bustling Theater District along with many other stops. The 7.5-mile Main Street Line, or Red Line, offers convenient and fast service between Downtown, Midtown, Museum District, Texas Medical Center and NRG Stadium and Center. One-way tickets cost $1.25 and can be purchased using cash or credit at all rail stops. Discounted fares are available to students, seniors, Medicare cardholders, riders with disabilities, and jurors.
- Mobile App: We’ve loaded all the useful information for the conference, including schedules, maps, and emergency information onto our mobile app. The app increases convenience and access for essential materials and decreases the impact of printed materials on the show floor.