Little Progress So Far, But ...

Dear Editor:

Re: "Still a Little Time to Save the World" (May 1, 2006):

I just finished your editorial, and you've guilted me into writing. I couldn't agree with you more about the apathy or inaction of show producers given that since we last addressed this topic, I too have taken too few steps to reduce the effect our events have on the world.

The deck is stacked against our events for a number of reasons, the primary being economics at all levels of show production. Production schedules are built on building leases and labor costs first, materials second. Tipping fees, while expensive, are not a major budget line item; there are no incentives (or disincentives) for exhibitors to reduce waste. It is often less expensive to abandon collateral than pay drayage and shipping to take it home. This list goes on.

My company is fortunate to work in facilities that are fairly progressive (the Anaheim Convention Center, Moscone Center and San Diego Convention Center), so it is not all doom and gloom as in Las Vegas. However, the progressive actions, such as Anaheim's recycling program and Moscone's use of solar energy, are driven by the municipalities that own the facilities rather than user cost savings or demands.

The unfortunate reality is that concerns over global warming and other environmental impacts will have little or no effect until there is an economic benefit or justification. What I (and this is where the guilt part comes in, since I recognize it but haven't done anything about it) and other show managers, facilities, decorators, attendees and associations need to do is put our collective heads together and map out ways that sustainable practices can be implemented so that there is a tangible production quality or cost benefit.

So far, there is little in the way of progress, because changing a huge dispersed industry like the tradeshow business is damned hard to do.

If your editorial generates additional comments, then perhaps you could put us in touch with each other and we could form the nucleus of a working group. You mentioned that the session at the Society of Independent Show Organizers (CEO Summit) was poorly attended. Working the event circuit might be pre-mature at this point, but a group of individuals working on the issue may be able to start the ball rolling.

Thanks for using the power of the pen to give a gentle reminder that there is a problem that needs fixing whether we, as an industry, know it or not.

Lee Wood, Co-president, MP Associates, Boulder, Colo.

Letters to the editor of Tradeshow Week are always welcome. Please send them to Editor in Chief Michael Hart (by mail) Tradeshow Week, 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 120, Los Angeles, Calif. 90036-5804; (by e-mail)$SPACE$hartm@reedbusiness.com ; or (by fax) (323) 965-5306.