NEW YORK — The Sustainable Events Summit (SES) announced it will recognize Javits Center CEO Alan Steel with the very first Zero Award for Excellence and Innovation in Sustainability. The award honors outstanding achievements and contributions to event and venue sustainability.
During his tenure at Javits Center, which began in 2012, Steel has led the implementation of a variety of innovative sustainable initiatives that include the creation of a wildlife sanctuary, and the addition of a greenhouse and one-acre rooftop farm on the convention center. Food produced on the rooftop farm goes toward the venue’s banquet operations.
He oversaw a 1.2 million square-foot expansion and building-wide renovation, which saw upgrades to infrastructure including the transition to bird-friendly glass, which has effectively cut bird collisions down by about 95%.
“My favorite project was working on the design and construction of North Javits — the 1.2-million square-foot LEED Gold certified expansion that was completed in 2021,” said Steel. “We already had a seven-acre green roof on the existing building [South Javits] but as we were starting from scratch, we were able to go several steps further and build a one-acre rooftop farm, while also creating a truck marshaling building which housed a 400,000–gallon rainwater collection system. So now, we can bring some 200 trucks off the streets, cutting down on traffic and emissions, while also growing produce for our in-house caterer using rainwater collected from the roof.”
Steel championed programs to repurpose event materials and evaluate sustainability measures of events, and to support local non-profit groups with a food rescue program.
“There have been so many fulfilling experiences, but seeing our sustainable infrastructure make an impact on policies within New York City was special,” Steel said when asked about his most fulfilling initiative. “The installation of bird-safe glass in both our existing and our new building was used as a large-scale demonstration of how effective the glass can be in protecting local wildlife. Using Javits as an example, our partners, NYC Bird Alliance (previously NYC Audubon) successfully advocated for new legislation mandating all new construction use bird-safe glass on facades below 75 feet. So, I’m proud that Javits has helped set the tone for how the events industry can embrace sustainability and how many of our colleagues have joined us in this endeavor.”
Related. Alan Steel to Retire from Javits Center After Historic Tenure as President and CEO
Industry Leaders Applaud Alan Steel
A committee made up of industry leaders — including Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) CEO Vinnie Polito, International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, UFI CEO and Managing Director Kai Hattendorf, Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) Executive Director Julie Kagy — selected Steel due to his accomplishments and efforts to improve sustainability at Javits Center. Martha Donato, President of MAD Event Management and Regional Director of UFI North America, will present the award to Steel at SES in September.
Martha Donato
“Choosing Alan Steel as the inaugural honoree for the Zero Award for Sustainability was an obvious decision. His visionary leadership in advancing green initiatives at the newly renovated Javits Center stands as a testament to his commitment to sustainable development. Alan’s deep understanding of New York City’s unique ecosystem and his dedication to the industry have been key to his success. We are privileged to present this well-deserved honor to him.”
Marsha Flanagan
“IAEE extends a warm congratulations to long time member Alan Steel with the Javitz Center in receiving the Zero Award. As a committee member and sponsor of the Sustainable Events Summit as part of New York City Climate Week, we applaud the efforts of all who are working toward a more sustainable exhibitions industry.”
Vinnie Polito
“Alan Steel is a very worthy first recipient of the Zero Award for his efforts at the Jacob K Javits Center. The Javits Center (and its expansion) are leading the charge and Alan’s passion for creating a more sustainable future is evident. Alan’s experience in the UK, as an organizer and as the CEO of the Javits Center, allows all of us in the industry to claim a kinship with him and celebrate this award!”
Kai Hattendorf
“To combat climate change on a global scale, we must first take action on a local scale, and Alan Steel has demonstrated how we can accomplish that together. As CEO of the Javits Center, he has developed innovative sustainable solutions that have reimagined what the events industry can do – and should do – and that’s why he deserves to be honored with the Sustainable Events Summit’s first Zero Award, a testament to our industry’s commitment to advancing sustainability. As one of the first leaders to sign the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge, Alan has worked closely with business partners from around the world to reduce our environmental impact, and the results will improve our quality of life for generations to come.”
Julie Kagy
“Alan Steel’s dedication to sustainability at the Javits Center has been nothing short of transformative. His leadership in integrating green practices into one of the world’s busiest convention centers sets a powerful example for the industry. The Zero Award is a testament to his vision and commitment to reducing environmental impact while enhancing the event experience. Alan’s efforts have not only made a significant difference in the Javits Center but have also inspired a broader movement towards sustainability in the event spaces worldwide.”
The 2024 SES will take place at the Javits Center on Sept. 24. The event, which MAD Event Management launched in 2023 alongside the Nest Climate Campus in New York City, offers industry professionals the chance to network, gain insights from experts and leaders, and explore creative solutions and innovations to best meet ESG goals.
The SES is an invitation-only, think-tank style meeting, and will feature roundtable conversations and sessions dedicated to enhancing sustainability among industry suppliers and at venues.
