Social Responsibility

The Baird Center has made sustainability a central part of its expansion strategy, designing its new North Building to be a model of environmentally responsible event space by integrating innovative green features that reduce environmental impact and support community resilience. The expansion incorporates elements such as an underground stormwater retention system, energy-efficient LowE and bird-friendly glass, LED lighting with occupancy sensors, low-flow plumbing fixtures, recycled steel, and a state-of-the-art ORCA food digester that can divert hundreds of tons of waste from landfills each year, all contributing to a stronger, greener future for Milwaukee and its visitors. The project’s commitment to sustainability was recognized with LEED Gold certification. You can read more about these features on here!

Sustainability at Freeman is integrated into how events are planned, produced, and operated. As IAEE’s official general service contractor, Freeman approaches environmental sustainability through established policies, consistent onsite practices, and scalable solutions across our event portfolio. We focus on reducing emissions from fuels, electricity, materials, and waste, while maintaining a high‑quality experience for everyone.

Some of our best practices include:

• Pack‑in / pack‑out policy encouraging participants to have an end-of-event plan for everything brought to show site
• Provide reusable and/or recyclable show management materials, including carpet, signage, and structural elements wherever possible
• Provide reusable exhibit solutions that help reduce single‑use materials, shipping, and storage needs
• Power‑down policy to limit unnecessary electricity use during non‑show hours
• Energy‑efficient equipment and lighting, including LED technologies and reusable digital signage
• No Idling policy in the marshaling yard and loading dock during move‑in and move‑out
• Consolidated freight and logistics planning to reduce emissions from transportation

Freeman also supports broader industry efforts as the first US-based service provider member of Better Stands and as a founding member of the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative. Through collaboration and shared responsibility, we are helping create a more sustainable event and exhibitions industry together.

Hilton Hotels – Travel with Purpose: They are creating more sustainable stays that guests can feel good about by embedding responsible travel practices throughout the hotel experience. From design to daily operations, Hilton hotels bring sustainable innovation to life—reducing emissions, conserving natural resources, preserving the surrounding biodiversity and purchasing products, amenities and materials in their hotels that are sourced responsibly. With every step, they’re building a more resilient future while protecting the destinations they serve. Learn More

At Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, sustainability every guest and event experience. Located in a city known for innovation and environmental stewardship, our hotel is committed to reducing its impact through energy-efficient LED lighting, infrared guestroom HVAC sensors, water-saving practices, and environmental performance tracking via Hyatt EcoTrack. Our waste-reduction efforts include recycling throughout the property, paperless check-in and checkout, mobile entry to reduce keycard waste, and automated composting in our kitchens. Guided by Hyatt’s Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served. philosophy, we feature cage-free eggs, responsibly sourced seafood, local and seasonal ingredients, plant-forward menus, and Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee – supporting meetings and events that align with values centered on people, community, and the planet.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) values diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. IAEE provides opportunities to all persons who wish to participate in the activities of the association without regard, including but not limited to age, color, disability, family responsibility, gender, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, veteran status, pregnancy, marital status, or sexual orientation.

IAEE’s Board of Directors recognizes their responsibility to provide resources and support to achieve this goal. IAEE seeks individuals and groups that are under-represented within the membership and the leadership of the association.

IAEE encourages its members and the exhibitions and events industry to maintain these objectives in the conduct of their own business by creating an environment that allows all people the opportunity to reach their full potential in the pursuit of corporate objectives.

Further, the IAEE Board of Directors supports IAEE events being held in destinations that value diversity, equity, and inclusion and may choose whether to hold events in destinations where any country, state or local government arm, including a legislature, board or agency in the jurisdiction of the destination, having enacted legislation or regulation that has the effect of:

• Repealing existing legal protections or prohibiting the passage of legal protections for subject individuals
• Allowing discrimination against subject individuals in employment, housing, or public accommodations or services; or
• Prohibiting subject individuals from accessing facilities (including, but not limited to, restrooms), where subject individuals are those identified in the legislation or regulation based on the aforementioned individuals.