Corporate travel group plans low-carbon trade show

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives has unveiled a new planet-friendly design concept for trade show exhibitors, dubbed "TransACTE – Transforming the Business Travel Marketplace."

According to ACTE, the new trade show idea will allow suppliers to save money and cut their carbon footprint by avoiding the necessity of designing, building, and storing a booth intended to compete with others in scale or complexity. Also, the design concept eliminates shipping, set-up and teardown of booths, backdrops or tabletop displays.

"When ACTE first developed the TransACTE concept, it was also important to us that it meet our environmental CSR standards," said Susan Gurley, executive director of ACTE. "ACTE was the first industry association to hold a carbon low conference and we continue to select hotels and conference centers based on their green programs. Since 2004, ACTE has made CSR an integral part of its global education programs, and we will continue to do so for the benefit of our members and the environment."

For a set price, suppliers pick from two configurations: The first option is designed for product demonstrations, and is comprised of a kiosk and Internet connection. The second option is a lounge-style set up with Internet, facilitating meetings with customers and prospective clients. Single booths cost $8,000, and double booths run $10,500.

ACTE's membership consists of senior travel industry executives from 82 countries. The "low-carbon" trade show booths will debut at ACTE’s Global Education Conference in Rome, scheduled from October 5-7.


| Other Headlines for August 9, 2008

Hilton Americas-Houston goes for Green Seal certification (Houston Business Journal)