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Going Green with the Colorado Convention Center

May 14, 2013 By Comments
Blue bear looking into the window of the colorado convention center

Photo courtesy of teh Colorado Convention Center

By making small adjustments and modifications, a convention center can make a substantial and impressive impact.

The green, eco-friendly crusade started small and developed into the sustainable infrastructure it has become today. Whether it is at home or at work the “green” passion has stretched across the globe. Phrases like eco-friendly and green have become popular and key words in our vocabulary when it comes to describing the planet and our environment. Everywhere you look and everything you read says green is the new black. Meaning it is in trend to be eco-friendly and green in your home life as well as in your business. There was a time when just the thought of being green and living an eco-friendly lifestyle was a turn off and automatically brought on thoughts of being a tree huger. But we have come a long way baby and now it is all about living the best possible life including the impact our actions have on the globe.

Being green and eco-friendly means respecting our planet and being aware and mindful of how we use our water, energy, products and sources in relation to the environment and our everyday world. It means respecting our environment and the ecosystem and amongst other things incorporating into daily life and work whenever possible; composting and the three R’s reduce, recycle, reuse. And these days being green and eco-friendly is definitely easier than you think.

Why is it important to work with an Eco-Friendly Green Convention Center?

Within the meetings and conventions industry, there has been a rise in the understanding and appreciation of what it means to be eco-friendly and green. While at the same time venues and convention centers are implementing ways to help the planet by saving energy and water, employing recycling practices, buying locally, donating excess, reducing pollution, using eco-friendlier transportation substitutes and utilizing natural and ecologically aware products.

Meeting planners have embraced and supported the standards and principals required to guide the industry and those determined to produce more environmentally balanced business settings that inspire the on-going development of greener convention centers and venues. And whenever possible implement and uphold eco-friendly procedures to ensure future greener meetings and events.

What Makes the Colorado Convention Center Eco-Friendly and Green?

The $64,000 question; what does make the Colorado Convention Center eco-friendly?

“Denver is a natural fit for green meetings and events”. That is one of the more important things you’ll hear when in the city of Denver and talking about the Colorado Convention Center. Denver, yes the city, is committed to the sustainable development and ecologically-friendly practices that help to develop a green Denver as well as green meetings. And when Governor John Hickenlooper was mayor, he realized how important sustainability was so he developed a program called Greenprint Denver. The program provides leadership and solutions to ensure a prosperous community where people and nature thrive.

The ultimate in goals is to make all events held at the Colorado Convention Center eco-friendly, removing that imaginary line between a standard event and a green event. Always searching and striving for new procedures, practices and guidelines while retaining the ones that work operationally and adapting the ones that don’t. Due to the efforts to become eco-friendly and green the Colorado Convention Center has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the EMS 14001 Certification as part of CCC City and County of Denver Overall Certification as well as being recognized by the Colorado Meeting and Events magazine as the Best Green Meeting Facility in 2009.

What is the Eco-Friendly Focus of the Colorado Convention Center?

The Colorado Convention Center has focused their sustainable efforts in the following areas:

• Energy Reduction and Alternative Sources
• Waste Reduction and Diversion
• Water Consumption and Quality
• Air quality and alternative transportation
• Community

And as the first venue to receive certification as a venue which meets the ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences (E2774-11), the Colorado Convention Center continually aspires to lead the industry in terms of sustainable practices. Their robust commitment to sustainability also includes a 300-kilowatt solar power system and they take their commitment to being eco-friendly very seriously by having a program manager available on site ready to answer questions about anything relating to sustainability.

Simply said, eco-friendly means earth friendly. How a convention center is built is of the utmost of importance but is only part of the picture. The structure, how it is operated as well as how it is reducing its impact on the environment are equally significant. We all have to do our part, whether at home or in business by implementing the best green practises whenever possible.

 

 

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Besides Conventions What Else is a Convention Center Used For?

May 7, 2013 By Comments
view ot the Phoenix convention center

Photo courtesy of lumierefl

For some years now it has been said that key North American convention center business has been decreasing. For what literally seems a like a life time convention centers have relied on conferences and conventions for success and revenue. The steadfast focus was to secure the big business of conferences and conventions, citywide and the like, and if additional outside the box business was booked that was icing on the cake.

Business can be fickle and like with so many industries convention center sales can go up and of course what goes up must eventually come down. Convention centers are no longer just for conferences and conventions. With an ever changing horizon in the meetings market, when it comes to using and booking convention centers, the previous tested and proved business of conventions and conferences is now no longer the only game in town. And with a downward trend it is essential to respond in the best way possible to avoid a dip and decline and as that old saying goes when given lemons make lemonade.

So when conference and convention bookings are declining and the building facilities are still available, in what other ways can the space still be utilized?

Benefits of Using a Convention Center for Weddings

Convention centers provide the ultimate backdrop and space for weddings, delivering all the benefits of a strong and commanding venue along with the intimacy and warmth of a special celebration. Convention centers are a one stop shop, full service destination, able to assist in making preparations for everything from music to decorations to cake and so much more. They are great stress relievers offering, with the bride in mind options as well as personal and customize packages.

From a small and intimate celebration to the grandest of weddings, convention centers make for a perfect setting for that most special day. Centrally and conveniently located with an abundance of hotel accommodations, personalized and professional services and valuable amenities make a convention center the perfect venue for a wedding.

Benefits of Using a Convention Center for Green Events

Back in the day, it’s an understatement to say it was difficult to find a convention center that applied the three R’s reduce, reuse and recycle, let alone one that was considered environmentally friendly. These days there is definitely an increase in the number of North American convention centers that are going or have already gone green. By taking the lead, committing to creating and implementing guidelines and policies that will reduce the influence and effect our actions have on the environment and offering an environmentally green responsible venue, a green convention center can help organize not only a successful event a sustainable one as well.

When a convention center is committed to being green, dedicated to the best green practices and has a strong commitment to the environment, it’s easier than you think to hold a green sustainable event. Working closely with the convention center service team, all equipped with a full and comprehensive understanding of not only green practices but customer needs as well makes a convention centre the perfect spot for your event. Creating, executing and enforcing green guidelines do in-fact help to lessen the effect our actions have on the planet. Making hosting a green event at a convention center a win-win situation.

Businesses constantly face the challenge to be more inventive, state-of-the-art and ground-breaking to compete. Convention centers are constantly looking to connect, amaze and exceed customer expectations in the most remarkable, outstanding and unforgettable way, to impress clients and win business. When searching for venues look outside the box. Consider venues for your events that you may not have considered in the past. When it comes to convention centers there is no detail or request that is too big or too small and they can provide the perfect environment, eco-friendly environment that is for any celebration or event.

 

 

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Eco Friendly Party Planning Where Less Becomes More!

April 30, 2013 By Comments
Green shade

Photo courtesy of Visual Artist Frank Bonilla

This weekend I helped a friend with her eco friendly party planning and the experience was special. About four months ago she approached me and asked for some assistance. She wanted to plan and host a birthday party for her significant other and her idea was to throw a rocking bash in the most eco friendly way as possible. She continues to inspire me daily as she is a big proponent of the three R’s; reduce, reuse and recycle, all in the effort to help reduce the excess that can end up in the garbage.

Parties are all about indulging, pampering and treating the guest of honor in an extraordinarily special way. When you think party planning you think about all you can do; plotting, organizing and shopping to create just that kind of an event. But when party planning strategizing, so many of us don’t consider the importance of being green, reducing consumption and utilizing environmentally sound resources.

The Key to Eco Friendly Party Planning!

As we went about organizing the celebration making and executing the party decisions; for invites, food, drinks, decorations and the like there was one major stipulation. The plan was that after the party guests had enjoyed, consumed and departed and clean-up was completed we would be left with only one bag of garbage. Yep you heard it here; the strategy was after all was said and done to incorporate only reusable, recyclable and compostable elements so that our only souvenir would be one, one bag of garbage. I for one was incredibly skeptical and didn’t think for one second it could be done. But that didn’t stop us from trying and I’m happy to admit I was wrong and we were able to accomplish our plan. And this experience really did change the way I think about being green when it comes to executing parties and events.

One of the more important factors, I did learned was that when it comes to achieving a successful eco friendly party; the key is planning, planning, planning.

Tips to Get Started Eco Friendly Party Planning

You can easily plan an eco friendly, tasteful get-together without giving up on any of the style, pleasure and joy. With some thought and preparation, you can throw a fabulous party that is not only eco friendly and good for the planet but is as equally enjoyable for your guests. So say so long (for a night) to your garbage can and hello to party planning tips:

Invitations – There are all sorts of ways to invite guests while at the same time saving the planet and staying green. Use that newfangled invention, the phone and call or go the paperless route and send invitations by utilizing your favorite site like Evite.com or Punchbowl.com. Or just log onto the computer and send out an email with all the details. For my friend’s party we went the way of seed paper, we outlined all the details on wildflower seed paper, hand delivered them which can be planted after the party.

Decorations – When it comes to decorating at an eco friendly party a bit of creativity will go a long way. As a substitute to running out to the store and spending more money; why not reuse decorations from previous bashes, integrate items from around the home, go with real plates, glasses, cutlery, table linens and napkins instead of going the paper or disposal route and if due to size going the disposable direction is imperative be sure to check out the eco friendly types. And what about utilizing the natural light whenever possible, using local potted plants, flowers and actual fruit and vegetables for centerpieces and to beautify. Try and keep away from disposable almost anything when possible, as it almost always ends up in the trash. When it comes to eco friendly decorating, a good recommendation is to consider cloth in place of paper and paper in place of plastic. It is surprising how many different ways there are to reuse, re-purpose and recycle things that at some point were believed to be garbage.

Food – What you serve at your environmentally friendly party can have a huge effect on the party’s over all eco footprint. And when it comes to planning an eco friendly party menu it all starts with the food so first and foremost think seasonal and think local. It has been said purchasing locally produced foods is one of the greatest things one can do to be green. And by going with “in season” locally sourced food will certainly make a difference to your bottom line and save you some buckaroos. There are many ways to reduce our environmental influence on what we are eating and drinking by being aware of packaging, greenhouse emissions and the use of fertilizers and pesticides, make a point of understanding how and what is produced and grown in your area. If you cater your party choose a caterer that is eco friendly and uses organic and local ingredients.

Waste – Set your game plan to zero waste. The whole point of an eco friendly party is to generate as little waste as possible. During the party make it easy for your guests to recycle by setting up recycling and compost bins around the party space. And when clearing up be sure to take time to sort things out and put them in the appropriate bins. And when everyone has departed and it’s time to clean up; shun severe chemicals and use only green cleaning products

You can definitely make a statement by making the right eco friendly choices. Just ask Glad.com where they say “Small changes can make a big difference. Like when you reduce landfill waste at your next event to just one bag, and send the rest to recycling and composting.” It’s easier than you think to plan a party and stay environmentally conscious at the same time. We can all help eradicate excessive waste by utilizing items that we already have and that can be recycled, reused and re-purposed.

 

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The Case for Going Green

March 8, 2013 By Comments
sticking your head in the sand denying global warming

photo by symonsez. wordpress.com

I’m sure you’ve heard the green arguments. Whether it’s the argument that the world is always warming and cooling anyways, or the one that says scientist are fudging data. Or perhaps people have tried to convince you that CO2 is harmless and our plants actually need it for them to grow. Then of course, for the meetings and events industry anyways, the argument will then turn towards do we really need to focus on green meetings or sustainability?

Good grief where do I begin!

There is a saying that I like to quote often – “you can’t reason out what was never reasoned in”. I have now come to the conclusion that this saying is very applicable to green meeting opponents. If people are not willing to look at both sides of an argument and then draw their conclusions from that, then I’m afraid there’s no discussions to be had with those people.

Regarding a Couple of the Green Arguments above!

The world is always warming and cooling. Well, of course it is. You see there are those of us that believe the world is older than a few thousand years, and we understand that there have been many ice ages. And there will be many more to come in the Earth’s future. But please take a moment to read actual fact-based reporting. It’s to the degree of warming and or cooling and how fast it’s occurring that matters. You don’t believe me? Well check back with our coastal cities in about 50 to 75 years from now.

Scientists are fudging data. Who do you trust more; a leading scientist, say from NASA, or one that’s been hired by a lobby group? James Hansen, NASA’s head scientist, has publicly stated that the public is being lied to and duped by special interest groups.

CO2 is good for plants. Well thank you for that little bit of knowledge that we learned in grade 2. But, unfortunately, it goes a little beyond the CO2 that the plants require. Even the U.S. Army has acknowledge that climate change is a national security threat (from displacement due to rising water levels throughout and unrest in certain parts of the planet as a result).

I have had these arguments presented to me by a few of my colleagues in the industry. I’ve come to realize that global warming and sustainability have now become a hot political issue. I’m not going to deal with the politics of global warming here (that rant, I’m afraid, would make me run out of space to type).

As you can tell I am a proponent for green meetings and sustainability.

a green planet in a recycle bin

photo by www.123rf.com

As a very basic comparison I have often countered the argument this way. I compare respecting our wonderful planet the same way that you would if a friend or colleague gave you a gift. Would you disrespect, or trash, that gift? Probably not. So, using the gift analogy, why then would you think that it’s okay to disrespect the gift of this wonderful planet? And this argument isn’t only geared towards religious people. Like myself, there are many people that do not prescribe to organized religion. And I’ve found that the argument is suitable regardless.

Green Meetings Have Been around for Some Time

In the meetings and events industry, we’ve been working on sustainability for quite some time now. Even before it was mainstream. Having been on the supplier side of the industry, I’ve worked with many meeting and event planners that have insisted on their meetings having green components. And you know what? Contrary to popular belief, it did not increase budgets. As a matter of fact it can actually shave money off of budgets by going green (more about that in the article links below). not to mention the PR that the group would receive as well.

Here Are A Few Articles That We Have Done on the Subject Here at Plananevent.org

Some Upcoming Sustainability Conferences That You May Be of Interested to You

In Chicago: Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) is holding their annual conference from April 7 to April 10, 2013. GMIC is a nonprofit association with members in over 20 countries and is 100% focused on advancing sustainability in the meetings industry.

In Toronto, Canada: Greening Tourism Conference. This conference, which will be held on April 10, 2013, will deal with emerging practices in the area of sustainability and tourism.

Luckily, green meetings are becoming a standard in our industry. Of course there will always be skeptics that offer their reasons as to why we should not be promoting sustainability. My advice is to present your facts as to why going green is not only good for our industry, but good for the planet overall. In other words, be the change you want to see.

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Do You Use a Green Meetings Toolkit?

September 12, 2012 By Comments
green meetings toolkit

photo by pgroveschool.org

There’s no doubt that green meetings and events are becoming mainstream. As proof of that pretty much all of the major meetings and events associations have adopted green meeting guidelines. Apart from the fact that this is indicative of an industry embracing sustainability, these associations are also a great resource that you can use to make your meetings a little (or a lot) greener.

A Green Meeting Toolkit Can Include Checklists As Well As Resources

At industry conventions or networking events I often talk with my colleagues about going green. And quite often a lot of the meeting planners in the room will tell me that, while they want green events, they are often faced with the challenge of how to go green within their budgets. Well, thanks to many of the associations, the ability to go green is becoming easier and easier.

Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Has an Excellent Green Meetings Toolkit

Prepared by Sandra Wood (CMP with the Canadian Medical Association), in conjunction with PCMA’s Canada East chapter, the green meetings toolkit is available for download from PCMA’s website. In the toolkit you’ll find information to get you started on green meetings including; checklists, a green directory, standards and regulations, as well as a wish list and future trends to watch.

The toolkit also provides some interesting statistics and facts, such as:

  • 51% of business travelers would be willing to add a percentage of their room cost to the hotel bill if it meant their stay would be more environmentally friendly
  • 75% of all hotel guests stated that they are willing to participate in eco-programs
  • 67% of meeting and event planners have taken green considerations into account when planning an event
  • 27% of all food reduced in North America is wasted
  • by changing towels only on request, a hotel can save upwards of 200 barrels of oil (which is enough to run a family car 180,000 miles)
  • a venue can save 520 gallons of water just by not pre-filling water glasses at a banquet table
  • if every passenger pack 1 pound less in their luggage, that would save enough fuel to fly a Boeing 737 around the world 474 times

Green Meetings Can Actually Save You Money

Going green can actually save you money. From the report we learn that a conference of 1300 delegates can save money by going green as follows; using online registration instead of printing and postage can save roughly $3900, eliminating conference bags can save upwards of $12,000, not providing a printed handout can save around $2000, providing pitchers of water instead of plastic bottles can save upwards of $12,000, using closer venues for off-site functions will eliminate transportation costs that can range anywhere from $30-$40,000 (for an average three-day conference).

It’s hard to believe that we still live in a world where many people are in denial regarding climate change. The old line that we used to hear as an excuse was that going green would cost way too much money and negatively affect the meetings and events industry. Regardless of your position on climate change, we can all agree that by going green we are helping our planet and future generations. I’m also very happy that the meetings and events industry is taking the lead in this area. And by doing so, the meetings and events industry is showing that there are many benefits by providing green meetings.

 

 

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Being Green is Easier than You Think; Eco-friendly Green That Is…

June 21, 2012 By Comments
green background green stem

Photo courtesy of Will Merydith

Recently I was invited to an eco-friendly green wedding. Instead of the standard moans and groans I was actually really looking forward to attending and yes celebrating a friend’s special day. But truly I was also hoping to discover some additional ways to incorporate being eco-friendly and green into party and event planning.

An eco-friendly wedding is where by way of the wedding planning, the bridal couple attempts to reduce the effect and impression their wedding has on the earth. When planning all those wedding details bridal couples will organize and arrange eco-friendly options for green wedding invitations, decorations, the dress and everything else on the ever growing checklist.

With average wedding costs sky high that in turn leave behind an enormous footprint why not take planning to a new level. A place where you still have that oh so special event of your dreams while at the same time reduce all that not needed excess and consumption.

Planning a Green Wedding, Where to Start…

My friends were already living an eco-friendly green life and wanted to reflect that on their special day. First thing that struck me was by throwing an eco-friendly green wedding it didn’t mean that the wedding lacked in love, splendor or beauty. The key to planning an eco-friendly green event or wedding is to not only remember the three Rs, reuse, recycle and reduce but to use them.

Incorporating Green Wedding ideas, Let the Planning Begin…

Eco-friendly green weddings do not automatically mean expensive but they certainly can increase the work load. While I truly had a blast at the wedding I also came left with some easy to apply takeaways. So here are some really great green wedding ideas to reduce your wedding carbon footprint.

Instead of receiving a save the date card we received a save the date email. Now I know most wedding etiquette experts say that paper invitations and not electronic ones are the way to go. And the actual wedding invitation did come in the mail on 100% recycled paper. The invitation then directed us to a website to RSVP and find directions.

The ceremony and reception were held at the same venue. And the ceremony was held outdoors and that way they not only saved money they used Mother Nature for the ceremony decorations. After the ceremony we moved indoors for the reception. All and I do mean all the wedding décor was recycled. The bridal couple spent the year prior getting in touch with various brides and grooms and collecting gently used wedding decor. Each table centerpiece was equally special but differently unique from the next. The limited amount of flowers used was locally sourced, organically grown and truly beautiful.

The bride didn’t compromise on her dress and really what bride does, she wanted to look stunning and she did. The dress was purchased second hand, with a slight alteration here and there, you couldn’t even tell. In the interest of eco-friendliness the bride plans to ensure her dress has a third life and will be passing it on to another eco-friendly bride.

Wedding experts say these days a wedding favor, whether an eco-friendly wedding favor or not, is really more an option than a must. At the wedding I attended instead of handing out favors they donated money to an eco-friendly green cause very close to their heart. It was a win-win situation.

Food glorious food… The menu was vegetarian based, locally sourced and organically grown and truly delicious. The food was set up buffet style and instead of a traditional wedding cake, a wonderful cupcake cake was available, so guests took only what they wanted saving on food waste. The wine served was organic and as we all know in the past organic wines have had a less than stellar reputation. Well I’m here to tell you, times have definitely changed and now there are some pretty tasty organic wines available.

Now is the time to take care of our planet and it can be done! Start with small changes and before you know it you will have stopped some of the unnecessary and needless consumption, while still creating a wonderful, loving wedding that will be remembered for a lifetime.

 

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Green Meetings Are Easier to Plan than You Think

April 26, 2012 By Comments

 

Unless you’re one that still believes our earth is flat, most people realize that we all need to do our part to help our precious planet. This post isn’t intended to create a debate about global warming. Here we are assuming that our readers have done their own research and understand the importance of green meetings. My only advice for those that may be still caught up in the debate is to please stop listening to the politicians. Plain and simple they are not scientists and their comments are often made with a hidden agenda in mind. Okay, now that I’ve got that off my chest, let’s take a look at how easy it is to make your meeting a little greener.

Posting a Green Meeting Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Increased Responsibilities

Many people, including myself until recently, are under the impression that having a green meeting means additional tasks and increased responsibilities. Well, today that’s not the case. Especially with social media becoming more and more prominent in our lives. Technology is making it very easy to go paperless today. And many meetings are now conducted virtually with the use of video conference calls.

Many meeting planners are also telling me that a lot of their delegates are supporting green meetings. Many are actually inquiring with planners on how they can help make any meetings they are attending become as green as possible. Also many association meetings are leaving a positive impact in the cities where they are hosting their semi-annual or annual meetings. Often associations will have an activity that attendees can participate in that leave the city little cleaner or little greener.

Green Meeting Tips That You Easily Implement

Here are just a few green meeting tips that you can easily implement for your next meeting:

  • for smaller meetings consider video conference linking
  • make registration forms electronic and distribute information via social media
  • set up a twitter account for your meeting and ask attendees to start following it. Then communicate with your attendees via the twitter account with regards to updates, news during the conference etc.
  • work with your travel company to promote paperless boarding passes
  • if flying is a must, consider purchasing carbon offsets
  • for those that are concerned about supplier interaction, consider a virtual tradeshow
  • work with your hotel on energy-saving solutions. Make sure your meeting room has energy-efficient light bulbs and that they are turned off while you are not meeting.
  • Serve your water the good old-fashioned way. Make sure to ask that there is no bottled water in your meeting room

Hosting a green meeting isn’t as hard as you might think it is. Most companies that you deal with today will have policies in place that allow them to assist you in making green choices. For more information on green meetings, visit the EPA’s Green meeting page. Implementing just a few of the green meeting tips will help put you and your organization on a positive sustainability path.

 

 

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Kids Birthday Party Ideas Centered around Earth Day

April 22, 2012 By Comments

photo by dreamstime.com

For this post we thought that we would present some earth friendly kids birthday party ideas in recognition of Earth Day this year (April 22). Now many of you may be wondering if there are fun ways to be sustainable while preparing for a kids birthday party. Well, the video below indicates the answer can be yes.

The video below provides a few kids birthday party ideas that do not take a lot of time or money to implement. As a matter of fact some of their ideas presented here actually show you ways to use simple items around your house, many of which you’ve probably been thinking of getting rid of anyways, and turn them into usable birthday party ideas.

And while the kids are having fun our planet will thank you. And we only have one planet to live on so let’s make sure we treat it as such.

 

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Sustainable Meetings, Conventions and Events Planning

October 14, 2011 By Comments

Sustainability is now, more than ever, a driving force behind the creation and execution of meetings, conventions and events. In fact sustainable events planning is one of the fastest emerging trends in our industry.

With increased client demand for sustainable or “green” events numerous on-line and traditional resources are now available to the meeting and events planning industry.  In many regions government action and regulations have led local industry leaders to institute sustainability programs and standards. I am pleased to say that the meetings and events planning industry has also taken it upon itself to focus more time and resources to the support of sustainability within the meetings, conventions and events planning community.

Finding Information on Sustainable Events Planning

There are numerous resources – publicly funded by local and international governments or privately funded by industry partners.  IMEX – one of the meetings, incentive travel and events planning industry’s major global expositions – has really taken a leading role in the education and support of industry suppliers and meeting and events planners that wish to focus on sustainable events.

The Green Meeting Industry Council is an excellent resource for meeting and events planning companies that are looking for direction and support in their efforts to “go green”.

It is also an excellent idea to “act locally…and think globally”.  Governments on all levels – federal, state and municipal – have put in place regulations to support sustainability.  In support of these regulations they provide resources that local industry and business can use to help them reach their sustainability targets.  For example the City of Denver has created a Sustainable Event Planning Guide for local meeting and events planning companies to use in their ongoing efforts to meet the green targets of their specific clients and of the local convention and events planning industry.

These are just a few of the multitude of resources that are out there.  If you’re serious about sustainability and are committed to incorporating green targets into your clients meetings and events then now is a good time to get started.  Everybody wins – your clients, your suppliers and the planet.  Plus, with the demand for creative, affordable sustainable meetings and events on the rise going “green” will ultimately have a positive impact on the bottom line of your meetings and events planning company.

 

 

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US Open Tennis Green Initiatives

August 31, 2011 By Comments

With US open tennis getting underway it’s always interesting to look at how much planning is done to make an event of this magnitude successful. Like any large events there is always an environmental impact. Many companies and associations today take this environmental impact seriously and often look at ways to reduce their impact. The U.S. Open has created an awareness campaign that is designed to promote environmental issues to US open fans. Alec Baldwin and Billie Jean King are the spokespeople for the awareness campaign. Keep your eye out as these two high-profile personalities hit the airwaves to inform us of the steps being taken.

U.S. Open tennis – By The Numbers

Even to a seasoned event planner these numbers will seem staggering. However putting on an event the size of the U.S. Open takes great skill and planning. Unfortunately the only time we will really notice the planning is if something goes horribly wrong. These event planners work tirelessly in the background ensuring that disasters do not happen (mother nature excluded of course).

Here are some interesting numbers and more specifically what the U.S. Open tennis is doing for its part to the environment:

  • 70,000 tennis balls that will be used during the matches and practices will be donated to various community and youth organizations throughout the US,
  • 985 gallons of food grease will be used for the production of bio diesel fuel
  • 20,000 pounds of food will be donated to the community.
  • 50 tons of food waste will be composted for landscape and farming uses
  • all of the service ware in the food Village will be 100% compostable
  • notepads will be printed on recycled paper

So while we are watching all of our favorite tennis stars in action don’t forget all of the organizing and execution that is going on behind the scenes. It’s through the efforts of these tireless organizers that you and I get to watch things go seamlessly (touch wood). And hats off to the U.S. Open tennis organizers that understand the impact that an event of this size can have on the environment. The steps that they have taken, not to mention the extra workload that I’m sure this has created, shows that they take this environmental impact seriously. The world is a better place for you and me and future generations because of the actions that conscientious corporate citizens (like the U.S. Open organization) are taking.

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