Pretentious Musings of a Meet Green Martyr

Insider's Perspective on APEX, GRI and ISO 20121

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:44:00 +0000

The title could have just as easily read, "The True Confessions of Amy Spatrisano." We offer it here in her own words...

The Global Reporting Initiative Launches the Event Organizers Sector Supplement…say what?

Have you heard the one about, "how many standards does it take for the meeting/event industry to have one they might actually use?" Apparently, the answer is three. At least that’s the number of standards and reporting protocol being released this year. They are:

1. APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Event Standards
2. ISO 20121 Event Organizers Management Standard
3. Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) Event Organizers Sector Supplement (EOSS).

Let’s not even talk about the names these things have!

Here’s my confession: I’ve been involved in all of those bodies of work. While I believe in the intentions behind the creation of each of them and that they do complement each other, they are not for everyone, at least not all at once. Especially if you’ve never measured or reported your impacts. Each body of work is intended to fill a particular focus.

• The APEX/ASTM standards measure what you must do to make your event sustainable.
• The ISO 20121 standard offers a process to manage your events sustainably.
• The GRI EOSS protocol for reporting on your impacts once the event is complete.

I firmly believe they each have merit and a purpose. Each offers a different aspect of sustainability engagement depending on an organization’s desire and commitment to measuring and reporting. Some may find adopting these standards a bit daunting. Please don’t lose heart. I encourage you to see for yourself which of them may be the most approachable. Know that you are not alone, this is new for all of us.

Shawna McKinley of MeetGreen® wrote a fabulous blog about what to consider if you’re engaging in the GRI EOSS. The questions she asks are sound ones to consider regardless of which of the standards or reporting tools your organizations might be contemplating.

3,920 Meals For The Hungry

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:06:00 +0000

If this was Jeopardy, the question would be, "How many meals can eleven people package at the local food bank in two hours?"

That's right, it took just two hours out of our day to make a difference by feeding hungry people in our community. I can't think of a better way to spend the time.

If your organization is looking for a way to give back to your community, simply find the local food bank with this easy tool http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx and ask how you can help.

Certification and Recognition...In The Heart of Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:42:00 +0000

The Austin Convention Center is the first convention center in Texas to be awarded the LEED Gold Certification for Existing Buildings. They also have the stats to back up their green meeting initiatives:

diverting 66 percent of all waste from landfill
composting 250,000 pounds of organic waste in 2011
reducing its carbon footprint by 93 percent since 2007
reducing electric consumption by 20 percent (source: Austin Business Journal)

Well done!

My experience in Austin began way back in 1995, when I brought a large technology conference to the city. Never before, had I experienced such a level of commitment to client services from both the convention center and the CVB. It was the year I met, Monica Hammond, Austin Convention Center, and Janice Foster, Austin CVB.

When I began bringing environmental and social justice conferences to town, both these women jumped at the chance to learn more about sustainability. Monica was the first person to track how much water could be saved at a large banquet by not prefilling water glasses--without being requested or required. She showed up at the post-con with the stats in her hand. Janice has been trying to set up a donation stream for conferences visiting the city as her personal project--she wants to give back to the local community. She also makes sure I share any advice or trends I see with the whole department whenever I visit. Both are always eager to learn anything they can about green meetings, to better their city and their world.

I will most likely embarrass both of these amazing women by writing this post, but these unsung heroes deserve recognition too for making the City of Austin a destination high on my priority list.

Name Badges Change Lives

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 +0000

Looking for an innovative solution to name badge collection for reuse? Look no further!

IMEX America 2011 ran a badge-back legacy program sponsored by Estoril. As participants left the exhibit hall they had the opportunity to recycle their badges into one of two distinct badge boxes. One bin was for Opportunity Village, a local non-profit employing people with intellectual disabilities. The other bin was for The Shade Tree, a local grassroots non-profit with a mission to provide a safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children. For every badge recycled a donation was made to support one of the projects.

Not stopping at the bins, there was also time during the event to tour both of these organizations. Exhibitors were asked to donate items from the show floor to the Thrift Store at Opportunity Village as well.

This is a brilliant strategy which incorporated a sponsorship opportunity; environmental initiatives of collecting name badges for reuse and donations from exhibitors; and a social initiative to support local non-profit organizations. Everyone wins!

Top 12 Green Practices to Ask For

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:13:00 +0000

The MeetGreen Conference Management Team recently voted on their favorite green practices to ask for when planning a conference or event. I am sure they won't mind if I share, so here are their top 12 "asks:"

Ask for recycling at the facility
Ask for a towel and linen reuse program
Ask for no bottled water to be served
Ask for bulk condiments and beverages
Ask for excess food to be donated
Ask for banquet water glasses not to be pre-filled
Ask for use of china and linens; no disposables
Ask if the venue has electronic signage
Ask about sustainable, local food
Ask for signs to be made of a sustainable material
Ask for recycled content paper for printing or ask for no printing at all
Ask client to communicate sustainability efforts and options to attendees.

The Volunteers Left a Legacy

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:35:00 +0000

"It was the passion of the volunteers." I heard this testimonial from three Convention Services Managers of three different meeting venues. Each of the managers told me (on separate occasions during ESPA) they had made significant environmental changes in advance of the conference coming to their town, but until they saw how important these initiatives were to the participants and volunteers, it didn't hit home.

Thanks to the volunteers working with the facilities to help recycling and other green efforts, these CSMs understand how vitally important sustainability is on a personal level. They also related that it is because of the passionate volunteers, these initiatives are still in place at the facilities long after the conference has moved on.

The conference they were all telling me about? The UUA General Assembly

Best Speaker Gift EVER

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:20:00 +0000

Last weekend at the ESPA Conference, I taught convention service managers how to serve as a green meeting resource for planners. Afterwards, I was given the opportunity to have a donation to a local charity made in my name as a speaker gift. Speakers were able to choose from the San Diego Rescue Mission, San Diego Animal Rescue or the San Diego Food Bank. How proud and honored I was to be given this gift of helping charities in the San Diego community. I can't think of a better speaker gift!

Speaking of gifts, the ESPA centerpieces were beautiful apples. These apples were going to be donated to the San Diego Rescue Mission. During his keynote presentation, Chef Jeff Henderson, best selling author of From the Streets to the Stove, noticed the apples on the tables. He told the audience that as a child receiving boxes from the food bank, all the food was either packaged or canned and what he missed more than anything was fresh fruit. He then thanked the organization and participants for being so thoughtful. Very thoughtful, indeed!

Which CSR Degree Will You Earn In 2012?

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:07:00 +0000

Here are three degrees of social responsibility for you to consider when deciding your event's CSR involvement for 2012:

First Degree: Feel Good, Look Good
The most popular form of social responsibility for meetings falls into this category. This includes donation and volunteer projects. These kinds of projects contribute to a sustainable cause, but they are also equally directed at providing promotional benefits to the donor agency. These kinds of socially responsible acts can be measured in terms of number of media opportunities, and the financial value of exposure.

Second Degree: Responsible Action in Planning
This year, some meetings are starting to take things to the Second Degree. This includes actions that integrate social responsibility into fundamental planning actions, like procurement and hiring. There are often direct financial implications to this kind of action, some positive, some negative. For example fair trade-certified goods can cost more, however these increases can be neutralized by savings associated with using local staff for events.

Third Degree: Advocacy for Social Responsibility
The brave new world of social responsibility involves taking a stand to change practice. This is where social responsibility can start to become a little uncomfortable, and down-right revolutionary. Have you ever thought about how human rights factors into destination selection? What does the destination say about you and your organization? Do your suppliers act on social responsibility?

Whether taking it to the first, second or third degree each step is progress toward embracing our organization's opportunity to use meetings to improve quality of life.

Source: Having a Human Impact, Shawna McKinley, March 2010

Recycled Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:16:00 +0000

I looked back at my 2010 resolutions and realized I had been pretty successful at some and others continue to be iffy at best. So being a recycler at heart, I will use this great list once again and see if I can't tick off a few more. Join me, won't you?

1. Set up a Green Team for my meetings and events. That's right--I don’t have to do it all alone.
2. Have recycling stations at every meeting and measure the amount of waste diverted from the landfill. I will let key stakeholders what has been accomplished.
3. Order seafood only from sustainable fisheries. No more farmed salmon for my guests.
4. Include green clauses in all of my contracts with venues, hotels, caterers and transportation companies.
5. Hold virtual meetings when I don’t really need to travel to accomplish the same task.
6. Look for ways to hold face-to-face meetings that will keep my participants healthier e.g. serve fresh and local food, networking time outdoors, or schedule time for exercise.
7. Not serve any food on disposable service ware.
8. Join an organization such as the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) or attend a conference to learn more about sustainable practices from colleagues.
9. Choose a venue close to hotels, restaurants and entertainment so participants can walk instead of take shuttles.
10. Ask caterers to serve beverages in bulk instead of individually packaged such water, juices and even soft drinks.
11. Thank the housekeeper for not replacing my towels and sheets everyday when I travel.
12. Mentor someone just starting out in green meetings.
13. Donate all the leftover food to a food bank.
14. Ask all my vendors for their environmental policies.
15. Look for destinations that already have green vendors and venues in place to make my job easier.
16. Not print the date on my signage so it can be reused for the next event.
17. Always ask for fair-trade coffee.
18. Keep track of the financial savings for all of the green practices and become a hero!

Set Your Compass for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:33:00 +0000

Nearly finished with 2011, I am pondering what 2012 will bring. My desire is to make wise decisions to propel myself, MeetGreen, and the meeting and event industry toward an increasingly sustainable future.

I have decided the following quote, by John Wesley, will serve as my compass:

"Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can."

How Can I Save Money On My Next Event?

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:45:00 +0000

Let's see, perhaps we can...

Serve beverages in pitchers like lemonade instead of individual soft drinks
Reduce the size of our program
Eliminate the conference bag
Meet in a location that doesn't require shuttle service
Offer a virtual option for speakers and participants
Provide one vegetarian meal per day
Ask exhibitors not to bring handouts to reduce our garbage hauling
Guarantee our food with close and accurate numbers
Take advantage of the discounts hotel chains are offering if we run a green meeting
and the list goes on!

What one thing can you easily accomplish in 2012 to save money on your events?

Give the Gift of Education, I Did

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:10:00 +0000

I believe the most important way to secure our future is to teach the next generation. When it comes to the future of the planet and the future of the meeting industry it is vital. I also believe in putting my money where my mouth is, so last year I personally funded the first full student scholarship to the GMIC 2011 Sustainable Meetings Conference.

Gianna L. Stone, San Diego State University, was the first recipient and in her Student's Perspective she says, "I learned more in three days than words can explain...GMIC, through this conference, opened my eyes to sustainability in a whole new light."

Today, I wrote the check to fund a scholarship for a student to attend the 2012 Sustainable Meetings Conference. If you are able to give back to our community and make the difference in the life of a student, I ask you to join me.

If you are a student, you are the future! Please watch the GMIC website for details on applying for the 2012 scholarships.

You Do The Math

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:48:00 +0000

According to the National Restaurant Association's list of Top 20 Menu Trends of 2012 (as reported by Successful Meetings) sustainable food takes the cake for the upcoming year.

Take a quick count of how many on this list are also green meeting initiatives. Hint: you will need both hands.

According to the NRA's survey, the top menu trends for next year will be:

1. Locally sourced meats and seafood
2. Locally grown produce
3. Healthful kids' meals
4. Hyper-local items
5. Sustainability as a culinary theme
6. Children's nutrition as a culinary theme
7. Gluten-free/food allergy-conscious items
8. Locally produced wine and beer
9. Sustainable seafood
10. Whole grain items in kids' meals
11. Newly fabricated cuts of meat
12. Farm/estate-branded items
13. Food trucks/street food
14. Artisan spirits
15. House-made/artisan ice cream
16. Health/nutrition as a culinary theme
17. Non-traditional fish
18. Fruit/vegetable kids' side items
19. Children's mini-meals (i.e. smaller versions of adult menu items)
20. Culinary cocktails

Ready to Tackle Food Waste?

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:36:00 +0000

Ready to save £ 724 million a year?

A report, entitled "The Composition of Waste Disposed by the UK Hospitality Industry" estimates that over 3.4 million tonnes of waste is generated by hotels, pubs and restaurants every year. The report, published by the Waste and Resources Action Programme, says detailed research shows nearly 80% of this could be recycled with food waste representing a "particular opportunity." The Hospitality Industry can play a leading role in the US as well, but it means change and we sometimes struggle with that.

Take for instance, Portland, where we recently began a home composting program to capture food waste. It is hauled away with our yard debris--weekly, I might add. While some of my neighbors have embraced and adapted to the change, others are fighting it as if garbage is one of our unalienable rights. Seriously, folks, it is food waste!

Here's hoping this change is easier to tolerate in the Hospitality Industry as it means substantial savings right off the bottom line.

How Serious Is Climate Change?

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:43:00 +0000

Need another reason to institute sustainability policies into your meetings? Do your events reflect an organization with the same concerns as its participants?

Take a look at the chart below and see what your event demographics believe. Too bad it isn't sorted by age group as well, that would be very telling. From other studies I have read, the younger the audience, the more concerned they are about climate change.

Thanks for Environmental Leader for this chart.

Which Way To SustainLand?

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:46:00 +0000

This weekend I had the pleasure of taking my niece for her first visit to the theme park of her dreams. As the organization is always touting their sustainability initiatives, I was looking forward to the trip on several levels. Imagine my surprise when I found the following:

Polystyrene cups for all beverages
Plastic cutlery
Individual condiment packets
Side dishes served in individual plastic clam shells
Minimal drinking fountains (I found one in three days) which meant I had to purchase bottled water instead of refilling my reusable bottle
Recycling available for bottles and cans only and not next to every trash can
Staff members with polystyrene food containers
All the trinkets in the many stores were labeled "Made in China"
Plastic bags used exclusively to put the trinkets in
Even the cotton candy was packaged in plastic bags or plastic buckets

Based on these daily practices serving tens of thousands of guests, they may want to consider some making changes to Tomorrowland!

Enough With The Black Friday Deals!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:36:00 +0000

Having been blasted by "Black Friday" advertising from every possible source all weekend long, I arrived at my desk today with a renewed commitment to make sure our meetings support the environment and not destroy it. I found this list, which works equally well for the upcoming holidays and purchases we make on behalf of our organizations and events, and share it here...

1. Is this purchase something I need?

2. Do I already own something that will serve the same purpose?

3. Can I borrow one instead of buying new?

4. Can I make something that will serve the same purpose?

5. Can I buy a used one?

6. Would someone be willing to split the cost and share this with me?

7. Can I buy or commission one made locally?

8. Can I buy one that was made with environmentally responsible materials?

9. Can I buy one that serves more than one purpose?

10. Can I get something human powered instead of gas or electric?

11. Can I compost or recycle it when I’m done with it?

12. What is the impact on the environment of the full life cycle of it?

13. Does the manufacture or disposal of it damage the environment?

The full article, Get on board the non-consumption train, is available here for your reading enjoyment while standing in the checkout line.

Change Feels Good...Yes, It Does!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:46:00 +0000

Join me as I enjoy the colorful beauty and bounty of this season and give thanks for the remarkable changes orchestrated in the world of sustainable meetings. You might even feel inspired to take note of changes this past year and share your gratitude--that is what I do here today.

I am so very thankful for...

The continued growth of GMIC with chapters throughout the world and a leadership propelling us to the next level in environmentally and socially conscious meetings
The MeetGreen team that partners with organizations on award-winning events using the Earth's resources wisely
Our clients who allow us to "play in their sandbox" and influence sustainability with their buying power
Fellow change makers, like yourself, who believe passionately in making the meetings industry more sustainable and our future opportunities
Those intrepid committee and panel members who are bringing forward standards for the rest of us
Students who have made green meetings a part of their research or thesis and will be the next true leaders of this movement
Hotels, conference centers, sports venues and meeting facilities who have embraced green in a big way seeing both the economic and environmental benefits
My blog followers who have doubled in size this year and help keep me motivated to learn and share more
And to Mother Nature herself, who reminds me how important this work is with a flutter of a bird's wings on the breeze, the damp musky smell of the forest, and the sun warming my upturned face.

NOT Your New Year's Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:21:00 +0000

Why wait until next year to develop your organization's sustainability policy? You know you are going to need it when those pesky APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meetings Standards are launched. Eight of nine are poised to be published anytime now, so be ahead of the game.

Procrastinating is fun but not very rewarding, so I challenge you to mark this task off your to-do list by the end of the year. Then, with a clear conscience, you can stick to your normal yearly resolutions made with such sincerity on January 1st...lose weight, watch less TV, learn to play the bagpipes, spend more time with the family, and join the circus (or run for public office).

If you need a template to get you started, feel free to use this one http://www.meetgreen.com/files/articles/MeetGreen%20Sustainability%20Policy%20Template%20061411.pdf

My Dog Ate It

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:48:00 +0000

Just when you thought you had heard it all, Shawna McKinley filed this report post EventCamp Vancouver...

A note we received from an attendee from Washington state:

"Just wanted to tell you where my lanyard ended up. Needed a new shoe lace as my dog seemed to have chewed it up. It did not matter that it was not the fashion statement only that it solved the problem and made it able for me to walk and work. I believe that this was what the meeting was all about solving problems so that we can all achieve our objectives and maybe evening doing them in a green fashion."

I have now officially "heard it all."

Musings of a Virtual Attendee

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:40:00 +0000

There I was in my bunny slippers lounging on the couch this weekend just back from the BSR 2011 Conference. My schedule didn't allow me to attend EventCamp Vancouver in person and I didn't want to miss it, so virtual I was. Laptop on my lap (I get that term now) I was streaming the content, engaging in the 1000 Acts of Green game, and tweeting away.

How was it?, you ask. Fantastic! I felt as if I were actually in the room contributing to the discussion, networking and learning! The only time I was left out was during the coffee break, but then I just I went to my kitchen, poured myself a cup and settled back into the couch.

Here are some of my musings you might find useful when developing your hybrid event:

Make the technology as simple as possible. Participants shouldn't have to fight the technology to get to the content.
Hire both an MC and a Virtual Concierge, the remote audience needs both to feel included.
Ask the virtual folks to ask questions or provide answers during the sessions.
Make sure the game (if applicable) is relevant to both audiences. The game app at EventCamp Vancouver worked famously.
Start on time, no matter what. Otherwise, we don't have anyway of knowing if our systems are working.
Consider including "pods" (small groups meeting together in a different city and attending virtually). This gives people even more of a community feeling. My husband and daughter refused to be part of my couch pod...just saying.
Do small breakout group work when the camera is off or determine a way (Skype) to include the virtual audience members in the groups.
Film and publish some of the silly stuff too that happens during a conference so remote guests are in on the joke the next day. Loved the late night singing captured on You Tube!

Now, I am usually an conference organizer and not a participant, so this was a new role for me. The weekend of learning was essential and provides me with a true comprehension of the virtual attendee experience.

Best of all, I didn't have to get dressed, go to the airport, go through "security theater," fly, check into a hotel or get to the venue. And to top it off my remote footprint avoided enough carbon dioxide emissions to fill 110,000 party balloons! That is a win both environmentally and economically as well as allowing me to spend time at home. Your participants will love it too!

photo courtesy of bunnyslippers.com

1000 Acts of Green

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Those of you who are familiar with ‘green’ events know there is a lot of pressure on the planner and supplier to make more sustainable choices. Many of these decisions are invisible to attendees for the most part: recycled content in carpets, water conserving fixtures, kitchen composting, local purchasing, etc. EventCamp Vancouver’s goal is to shift the focus to empower attendees to notice these efforts by suppliers and planners and to make sustainable choices themselves. We believe that through individual acts of green by attendees, that the choices planners and suppliers make can be amplified to make an even bigger difference. Not only in terms of footprint, but maybe more importantly in terms of legacy, such as the charity challenge dropped today.

The “Get Your Green on Game” helps to reinforce the very important personal actions of our attendees. The game has also been designed to encourage attendees to “Stop, look and listen” and by doing so, they will be rewarded with additional points. Looking at our surroundings with fresh eyes, through a green lens, noticing all of the great sustainable actions (perhaps for the first time) that have been undertaken by our collaborators, is important.

Want to play along? Get Your Green On is LIVE this weekend!

That’s right. The challenge is on to find the greenest camper at EventCamp Vancouver! Remote and onsite registrants can play by downloading the event application from the iTunes store (if you use an iPad or iPhone) or going to the mobile web site (for laptop and other mobile device users). Log in with your previously emailed username and password. Detailed instructions on how to play are found here, as well as in the Game tab in the app.

Game Legacy Challenge Announced!

EventCamp Vancouver game-players have been challenged to collectively perform 1000 Acts of Green over the course of the event. To provide extra motivation they also announced that for every individual Act of Green toward this goal MeetGreen will contribute $1 to the BC Cancer Foundation. MeetGreen® also challenges other meeting professionals in the #eventprofs community to match their donation! If you want to respond to the fundraising challenge let us know in the #ECV11 Twitter community.

BSR Shares Event Sustainability Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:41:00 +0000

This week finds one of our teams at the Business for Social Responsibility Conference. It wonderful to hear the words "sustainability" and "environment" spoken in nearly every conversation in hallways, sessions and meals. There are so many passionate individuals gathered to work together to change our world, I am honored to be here.

Producing a sustainable meeting which nourishes and supports participants is vital to a successful outcome. In the spirit of transparency and storytelling, BSR publishes a partial list of sustainability initiatives for the 2011 Conference. This webpage may help you in developing your own http://www.bsr.org/en/bsr-conference/2011/sustainable-conference

Eight of Nine Standards Passed!

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:16:00 +0000

This just in from Amy Spatrisano, APEX/ASTM Sustainable Meetings Standards Panel Chair:

Today, October 31st, marks the 4th year anniversary of our first formal meeting to begin developing the standards. When the news came today that 8 out the 9 standards had passed, it took awhile before it sunk in that we were nearly finished. Note: Accommodations is still in the balloting process.

They have been molded by the feedback received over the four year process by industry, non-industry and government input. While we anticipate there will be some modifications and adjustments made to them once they’ve been tested in the market place ,they represent a milestone, more prescriptive pathway for deeper engagement by the industry to produce sustainable events. They are unprecedented because they are the first standard released in the industry to hold both the planner and supplier mutually accountable for their participation in delivering an event.

I encourage you to visit the Convention Industry Council’s website http://www.conventionindustry.org/StandardsPractices/APEXASTM/APEXASTMVols.aspx for updates about how to access them. While you’re there please take a moment to read the list of volunteers who’s passion, commitment and dedication forged these standards for us all. They are the unsung heroes.

YIPPEE!!!!

The Net Impact of Net Impact

noreply@blogger.com (Nancy J. Zavada, CMP) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:26:00 +0000

The Net Impact Conference we are managing in Portland, Oregon this week is convening over 2,600 individuals to "explore using their business skills to make environmental and social change through work," according to Jess Sand the article, "How to Bring a Sense of Place to the Convention Center."

The content is fascinating as real solutions for everyday challenges are discussed. Check out this GreenBiz.com article for a few amazing examples including how GO Box is working to eliminate the 60,000 disposable food containers tossed out by Portland lunch-goers each month. Yes, we love our food carts here in Portlandia!

MeetGreen is incredibly proud to work with Net Impact on this vital conference!