Amsterdam RAI wins international social responsibility award

European hospitality award honours conference venue

Amsterdam RAI won the HSMAI European Awards in the ‘Social Responsibility’ category at the HSMAI Marketing Strategy Conference on 24th of May in Oslo.

The HSMAI (Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International) European Awards are conferred annually during the HSMAI Marketing Strategy Conference on businesses that make outstanding contributions to innovative approaches and solutions to the marketing challenges faced today.

Amsterdam RAI was shortlisted for the HSMAI European Awards in the ‘Social Responsibility’ category, where it faced stiff competition other European companies in the hospitality and travel industry. In announcing its decision, the jury commented that: "From engagement on the floor level to business decisions being made, the winner of the category Social Responsibility shows true commitment to a more sustainable operation, creating a safe, healthy and eco-friendly environment for all visitors and stakeholders. Their efforts have resulted in no less than three environmental certificates. We congratulate Amsterdam RAI."

In addition to recognising the current corporate sustainability policies at Amsterdam RAI, this award also honours the fact that business decisions have never been taken based purely on economic grounds at Amsterdam RAI. "The social impact of our activities on the city and the region has always played an important part in our long history," comments Yvonne Nassar, Head of Marketing & Innovation at Amsterdam RAI.

"As we enter an era of sustainable investments, the RAI’s influence on society and the environment is more relevant than ever. This is one of the reasons why we translated our goals into a CSR policy. Amsterdam RAI aims to become the leader in the European conference and events industry with regard to sustainability in 2013. We truly feel it is important to serve our organizers, exhibitors and visitors in the most sustainable way." said Nassar."

This is the second time Amsterdam RAI has been recognised for its sustainability policy. In June 2009 Amsterdam RAI won the ‘Sustainable Initiative of the Year’ award for its corporate sustainability policy at the 15th AEO (Association of Exhibition Organisers) Excellence Awards. In the final quarter of 2011 Amsterdam RAI received three important certificates, namely an ISO-14001 certification, a golden recertification from Green Key and a silver recertification from EarthCheck.

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