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Our Commitment to Sustainability at PAINWeek 

At PAINWeek, produced by Informa Connect, we understand that responsible event management is inseparable from environmental stewardship. We are proud to present our comprehensive sustainability approach, which integrates eco-conscious practices into every facet of our conference. Our commitment extends beyond compliance; we aim to be leaders in sustainable event management. 

Eco-Smart Operations 

Digitally Forward Meetings 

We’ve implemented cutting-edge digital solutions to minimize paper waste and enhance the attendee experience: 

Mobile App and Web-Based Registration/Check-In 

  • Our advanced digital registration process eliminates paper forms and reduces wait times. 

  • The user-friendly app lets attendees manage schedules, network, and receive real-time updates. 

  • By going digital, we’ve significantly reduced paper waste compared to traditional methods. 

Paper Reduction 

  • Elimination of Paper Forms: By moving 2,000 registrants from traditional paper forms (2 pages each) to digital, we save 4,000 sheets of paper. This equates to saving approximately 40 pounds of paper, or about 0.47 trees. 

Digital Program Guide

  • Paper Usage: Each traditional print program guide is 75 pages. For 2,000 registrants, this would amount to 150,000 pages or 1,500 pounds of paper—equivalent to 15 trees. 

  • Environmental Impact: Switching to digital saves 150,000 sheets of paper, 1,500 pounds of material, and approximately 15 trees. 

  • The digital format also allows for last-minute updates and personalized schedules, enhancing the attendee experience. 

Virtual On-Demand Access 

  • Beginning November 2024, over 65 hours of certified sessions will be available on-demand, increasing accessibility while significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with travel. Learn more!

Responsible Vendor Partnerships 

We partner with vendors who share our commitment to sustainability, creating a network of environmentally responsible businesses: 

Support for Small Business Suppliers 

  • We aim to source more event materials and services from local, small businesses, supporting the local economy and reducing transportation-related emissions. 

Recyclable Signage 

  • Essential physical signage is produced using 100% recyclable materials, when possible. 

  • Our venue meticulously manages waste to ensure proper recycling, aiming for reduced landfill waste from signage through a closed-loop recycling system. 

Environmentally Responsible Venue 

Our venue selection process prioritizes facilities with strong environmental credentials: 

Eco-Friendly Dining:  

  • Our venue, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, uses bamboo utensils and plates, which are biodegradable and sourced from renewable materials. 

  • All paper products used are recyclable, further reducing our waste footprint. 

  • Food Waste Reduction: Our venue partners with the Las Vegas Rescue Mission to donate leftover food, ensuring that surplus meals benefit those in need rather than ending up in landfills. 

  • Waste Management: Our venue employs a lamp tracker system for responsibly recycling batteries and mercury-containing items, keeping hazardous materials out of the waste stream. 

Energy Efficiency:  

  • All AV equipment used is Energy Star and RoHS-compliant, ensuring lower energy consumption and reduced use of hazardous substances. 

  • Timer-controlled lighting throughout the venue minimizes unnecessary energy use. 

Inspiring Sustainability 

Attendee Initiatives 

Small actions can lead to significant impacts. Here’s how we encourage attendees to contribute to our sustainability efforts: 

BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) 

  • High-quality water stations are available throughout the venue for easy access. 

  • Plastic Bottle Reduction: Each attendee typically uses 12 disposable water bottles over four days. With 2,000 attendees, this initiative saves approximately 24,000 plastic bottles, reducing plastic waste by 635 pounds. 

  • This also reduces energy and resources used in the production and transportation of these bottles, lowering our event’s carbon footprint. 

Green Transportation 

  • We encourage the use of the Las Vegas Monorail, carpooling, and ridesharing. 

  • A dedicated rideshare program is in place for event staff and faculty. 

Reusable Tote Bags 

  • Each attendee receives a high-quality, reusable tote bag made from recycled materials. 

  • We’ve partnered with exhibitors to create unique designs, encouraging long-term use. 

Community Partnerships 

PAINWeek proudly collaborates with nonprofits and community organizations committed to education, support, and advocacy in pain management. These partnerships amplify their reach and impact: 

Our Partners 

  1. Pain Medicine News 

  2. Society of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacists 

  3. U.S. Pain Foundation 

  4. CHAMP 

  5. Psychedelics Pain Association 

  6. NRAP Academy 

  7. American Association of Pain Psychology 

  8. Chronic Migraine Association (CMA) 

  9. American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) 

  10. Moving Through Chronic Pain 

These collaborations not only enhance the educational value of PAINWeek but also support ongoing research, patient advocacy, and community outreach in pain management. 

Looking Forward 

Our commitment to sustainability is an ongoing journey of innovation and improvement. We continuously explore new ways to reduce our environmental impact and inspire positive change within our industry. 

By attending PAINWeek, you’re not just participating in a premier educational event—you’re supporting a vision for a more sustainable future in conference management and healthcare education. We invite all attendees, exhibitors, and partners to join us in this crucial effort. Together, we can make PAINWeek a leader in both pain management education and sustainable event practices. 

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