I attended the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS), Boutique Design New York (BDNY), and Hospitality Leadership Forum last weekend in New York City. New York City was a bit more of a challenge to navigate this year. The gas station located near my hotel kept running out of gas and it seemed like taxis were more difficult to find. Many exhibitors’ booth exhibits were damaged prior to the show because of flooding in the warehouse where booth materials were stored. Thank Hurricane Sandy for that. Because of the storm and other factors, the number of exhibitors at IHMRS was down this year. As in the past few years, it was clear that IHMRS is becoming less of a restaurant show than it once was.
BDNY sold out its exhibit space this year and IHMRS has some lessons to learn from BDNY and its ability to create a much more exciting vibe. The growth of BDNY is certainly a reflection of the growing boutique segment as well as a reviving lodging economy.
Even with the additional challenges this year, IHMRS remains a great event to visit to catch the latest green products and technologies. I found many that interested me. In this column it is impossible to mention every green exhibitor so I will just highlight some of the companies that were there.
From Food Waste to Water, Compost
Champion featured its EnviroPure machines for breaking down food waste into a gray water byproduct or compost material. Waste to Water was at the show with its similar machines that reduce food waste to liquid.
Polaris Industries Inc. was at the show with its line of compact GEM electric vehicles. ECOtality, Inc. offered Blink electric-vehicle smart chargers.
Alliance Laundry Systems featured its latest laundry equipment including its dryers that utilize OPTidry to prevent overdrying.
Berkeley Square was at the show with its eco-friendly cornstarch cutlery, and plates, bowls and trays made from cane fiber. YourGreen2Go featured its tableware made from 100 percent natural plant material. Greenwave offered its compostable plates, and Restaurant Innovations demonstrated its FlatwareSaver systems that stop disposal of utensils and other kitchen items.
Shower Water Recycling
A company called reveeco displayed EcoVea, a shower water recycling and treatment system. Natura Water and Vivreau USA featured their water purification systems that eliminate plastic bottles.
Representatives of ZENO Controls LLC were on hand to discuss the benefits of their guestroom energy management system—a merger of their technology with that of Verve Living Systems, a company ZENO recently acquired. Evolve Guest Controls, Onity, VingCard Elsafe, American Power Solutions, and Guest WiFi also exhibited guestroom energy management systems.
Dispenser Amenities featured its new iQon dispensers and LATHER its Bamboo Lemongrass Collection. Green Suites featured its latest dispensers, amenities and other products.
Nanocoating for Green Buildings
A representative from Cleancoating LLC explained the company’s green building nanocoating services. The company’s ACTIVE-SHIELD is a coating for interior spaces that helps to purify air and protect surfaces from UV damage.
Kenyon International Inc. displayed its latest energy-efficient cooktop appliances.
Sleep Inc. was back at IHMRS this year. The company offers a mattress recycling program to its customers.
Dyson exhibited its Airblade energy-efficient hand dryer that eliminates paper towel waste.
Be sure to click here to catch coverage of the session on carbon reporting at the Hospitality Leadership Forum.
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