International CES Named Greenest Show By Trade Show Executive Magazine

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® has announced that the 2009 International CES® was named North America's Greenest Show by Trade Show Executive Magazine. CEA was awarded the highly coveted "Leader in Green Initiatives" Gold Grand Award for outstanding green presence in producing the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, the International CES.

Building upon its green initiatives, the 2011 CES will again feature the Sustainable Planet TechZone, sponsored by Earth 911, which will showcase world-changing technologies that benefit the environment, utilize new forms of sustainable energy, renew resources and contribute to the global development. This exhibit area will feature products and services that make it possible for everyone to stay connected, informed and live sustainable lifestyles. The Electric Vehicle TechZone will also highlight the latest technology behind electric vehicles for consumers seeking to live more sustainably through alternative transportation.

CES attendees collectively avoid more than 700 million miles of business travel - enough to travel from the earth to the sun seven times. In addition, CES has offset more than 20,000 tons of carbon emissions over the past several years. CEA, the owner of CES, works with its event partners to produce recycling programs and to promote those initiatives to CES attendees. CES continues to work to improve its green footprint each year, including at the upcoming 2011 International CES which will run January 6-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"In a very competitive category, the International CES out-greened other contenders," said Darlene Gudea, president of Trade Show Executive Media Group. "CES was heralded not only for the sheer volume of its recycling efforts but also for its numerous creative ideas to reduce the impact of the nation’s largest annual show on the environment. Trade Show Executive commends Gary Shapiro and his team for their outstanding leadership and the ideas that others can adapt and emulate."

"We are honored to have been named North America's Greenest Show by Trade Show Executive," said Gary Shapiro, President and CEO, CEA. "As the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, we work with our vendors to make sure that CES is on the cutting edge of green initiatives. We hope to set a new standard for green practices in the tradeshow community."

The International CES is committed to working with vendors and facilities that deploy environmentally sustainable practices. Last year, the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), which participates in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WasteWise Program, recycled exhibit hall and meeting room materials. The Venetian received silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Aramark uses eco-friendly utensils and napkins and purchases organic or locally sourced products. GES runs 95 percent of all show contracting equipment on clean natural gas and installs recycled carpet. CES exhibitors are encouraged to consider green in their exhibit designs through GES' green booth packaging options, which include eco-friendly paneling and carpeting, formaldehyde-free shelves and counters, graphics printed with water-soluble ink and the use of LED lighting.

CEA has invested more than $100,000 to develop a recycling program in the Las Vegas area, working with Clark County Schools. The fund has already created a recycling and environmental education program for students and faculty at more than 40 schools. CEA continues to look for ways to positively affect the Nevada market, and recently donated $50,000 to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Convention Center Area Command, to purchase T-3Motion electric vehicles and accessories to reduce the use of fossil fuel powered vehicles. CEA is also working to update the first-ever CE Industry Sustainability report to benchmark the progress the CE industry is making toward eco-stewardship, and to highlight the industry's environmental accomplishments.

A full list of CES green offerings is available online, as is CEA’s latest CE environmental sustainability and initiatives.