Case Studies

Every year GA enables opportunities for UUs to be of service to communities that host the event. This year several meaningful opportunities were organized in New Orleans.

GA attendees were invited to participate in hands-on service projects at or within a short distance of the convention center that benefitted over 1,000 persons. These included:

• The Big Easy / Real Life: An Immersion Experience
• The Red Flame Hunters and the Flaming Chalice Keepers Create!
• Ubuntu Village and UUs, Embracing Youth Away in Juvenile Detention
• “Days for Girls” Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Kits Fight Poverty and Isolation
• Families and Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children

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Sustainability is a core component of IMEX America and is addressed and refined throughout the year across the entire range of vendors and stakeholders, including onsite as well as pre/post event.

There are several wins to note regarding the IMEX America 2017 waste stream. Overall volume of waste decreased significantly from 2016 due to efforts to capture, donate or reuse large booth materials and furniture, as well as sustainable signage and carpet. The enhanced back dock hand sorting of waste also dramatically improved the amount of material that can be recycled or composted. Read Case Study

The 2016 IMEX America, our own internal planning team took a proactive approach to recycling the materials that we use for signage and, together with our vendors, ensured that they were put to valuable use in several different places (see Materials). We also reduced our paper use from onsite publications by more than 1,500 lbs of paper, which is the equivalent to about 13 fewer trees. In addition, our education team curated many rich and grounding experiences for our guests onsite, including the Be Well Lounge and Paws for a Break. Read Case Study

The Unitarian Universalist Association identified five main sustainability objectives for General Assembly 2016. Each objective is accompanied by individual targets and action items designed to address and evaluate each objective. These targets are customized given the current level of sustainability in each host city prior to the event. Read Case Study

UUA General Assembly participants reduced waste per participant to 0.26 kg per day. Read Case Study

In 2015, IMEX America chose to focus on water shortage in the Las Vegas area. In an effort to reduce water usage, the concession menu available on Wednesday was optimized to provide foods that minimize water use. Beef burgers were replaced with turkey burgers, for example, which saved 331 gallons per 1⁄4 patty! Water savings information was presented on digital signage to inform attendees of the water footprint of their food and they were encouraged to share their experience using the #WaterWiseWednesday hashtag. Read Case Study

73% of all graphics were reused or recycled post-event for the United Methodist Women 2014 Assembly. Read Case Study

Achieved 56% reduction in food waste over 2013 in Las Vegas, even with increased attendance. Read Case Study