Pretentious Musings of a Meet Green Martyr

"Get Your Green On" Wins IMEX Award

2012-05-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Shawna McKinley, MeetGreen; Judy Kucharuk, Footprint Management; and QuickMobile for winning the IMEX Award for Commitment to Community. This awesome threesome was recognized during IMEX 2012 for the "Get Your Green On" app designed for EventCamp Vancouver.

They also wrote and recently published a case study on developing the application which can be found here http://pdxmeetgreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/GetYourGreenOn.pdf

Who says hard work, creativity and risk-taking don't pay off?

Measurement: The Next Step

2012-05-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

As evidenced at the GMIC Sustainable Meetings Conference last month, measurement and reporting of environmental impact has finally taken hold. Presentations were no longer about educating participants on why measure, instead they included real-life statistics and information proving the value of green meetings. Yes (fist pump)!

Venues, hotels and meeting organizers are validating their environmental and economic savings with data. Take a look at the stats from one session compiled by Shawna McKinley. Reporting mechanisms such as calculators, case studies, and corporate reports are being used to tell the story. Sustainable meetings are good business!

Greenwashing tales of why an organization is a "good corporate citizen" are now being questioned and the public wants solid facts and figures to back it up. Social media, with its radical transparency, are pushing this trend forward.

It is heartening to witness this shift in the hospitality industry and know we are on the way to a more sustainable future.

photo credit: Green Meeting Industry Council

Carpooling on the Information Highway

2012-05-07T18:59:00.001-07:00

The media (social and otherwise) allows so much information to flow through our lives each day, it is tough to filter. Does a certain article or post warrant a blog entry with careful consideration, or do I just need to pass the information on to you?

Organically (no pun intended), I seem to be using my Twitter account @nancyjzavada to post quick bits of information on our industry, environmental or social impacts of meetings, and other travel/meeting related happenings. Blogging has been used more for our organization's tips, ideas, experiences and of course, pretentious musings. So be it.

First of all, my thanks for reading this blog and I promise to stay relevant and informative as green meetings and events continue to evolve. Secondly, feel free to follow me on Twitter @nancyjzavada to see what has caught my eye in this big, noisy world we live in.

Please feel free to point me in the direction of great stories and comment on any of the posts. Like any good carpool, there is plenty of room for all of us.

Yes, Paul, We Are All In!

2012-05-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Onstage at the GMIC Sustainable Meetings Conference, Harith Wikrema challenged the audience to donate to the Foundation by saying he would match any donations made that day. Not missing a beat, Mitchell Beer, Foundation Chair, popped up and said he would collect them.

Immediately, people started getting out of their seats and handing cash to Mitchell. Someone brought him a shopping bag to gather all the money and the giving just kept on going. Presenters had to stop their discussion while the crowd dug through purses and pulled out wallets while working their way to Mitchell. It was like an old-time church revival with the energy in the room building with each donation. I have never seen anything like it at an industry meeting. Several others shouted out that they would match the total as well.

$1,008.35 was raised in a matter of minutes!

The community-minded professionals in the room walked the talk so the Foundation can continue to fund important educational programs bringing sustainability to the meeting industry. This is why GMIC and it's members make such a difference in our world. As Paul Salinger, GMIC President, said in his opening remarks, "We are all in!" Two days later, we proved it.

Should You Attend Virtually or Face to Face?

2012-04-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

Last week I attended the GMIC 2012 Sustainable Meetings Conference first virtually and then in person. I have talked about those experiences in my past two blog posts. Over the past several days, I have been ruminating over both types of participation and have finally come to some conclusions which might help you decide as well.

Reasons to attend virtually:

You are highly interested in the content of the sessions and want to give it your full attention (much easier without the distraction of other audience members)
Work schedule doesn't permit days away from your desk
Economic and environmental savings are high on the priority list
You have the ability to connect with others via social media and don't necessarily have a strong bond with fellow participants
The personal commitments you have require you to stay at home
You may be an introvert and are better served by this forum

Reasons to attend in person:

Sessions are secondary to the networking component
Sales opportunities available in the hallways and during breaks are valuable
More time is available for connection with peers for thought leadership conversations
Economic considerations are not a driving factor
Other face-to-face meetings can be held during the event with fellow participants
Have a strong bond with other participants and are energized by physically spending time together
You may be an extrovert and are better served by this forum

As a result, I will now have a filter to analyze each opportunity to attend either virtually or in person based on the event itself. Some events will fall into the virtual category for the reasons mentioned. Yet others, like the GMIC conference, are important for me to attend in person--even though I tend to be an introvert. There is no other event where I return home more energized, more optimistic and more refreshed than when I left.

Just one conversation with the scholarship recipient, Timothy Chen, made all those airline hassles and time constraints disappear from memory. He is the future of green meetings and will lead the industry toward solutions we haven't even thought of yet. I was honored to spend time with him.

Participating Live From #GMIC

2012-04-25T07:51:00.001-07:00

My last post talked about my experience attending The Sustainable Meetings Conference virtually. Today I am here in Montreal with my like-minded professionals, sitting in the room, I watched on the screen a few days ago. It looks remarkably the same, but now I am at a table filled with sustainability professionals eager to connect and learn more.

Over the past two days, I have had conversations with peers over tea or in the hallways that wouldn't have been possible virtually. I find myself re-energized by their passion and commitment. I have also talked with fellow tweeters that I have only known virtually--we feel like we have known each other for years. It is a hybrid world, indeed!

The buzz here is all about collaboration and communication towards a more sustainable future for our industry. While we may well be competitors in the outside world, this conference is a safe space to talk about issues, challenges and concerns. Tough to do virtually. I will defer my final comments about being a hybrid participant until later this week when I am not so tired, jet-lagged, and otherwise spent.

For now, it has been a fascinating experiment and I am grateful for the opportunity.

I Am a Hybrid Participant

2012-04-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

When the airlines caused a two-day delay in my trip to Montreal for the GMIC Sustainable Meetings Conference, I had no choice but to watch the first day virtually. Unhappy as I am, I decided this was a rare opportunity to attend a conference both virtually and in person, a hybrid participant, if you will.

This morning I watched remotely as Paul Salinger inspired both the live and virtual audiences to "be the leaders who are going to transform the industry." His passion came through loud and clear. While I was watching, I was also tweeting, using the conference app, and generally conversing with those at the event. I felt connected.

Our MeetGreen team is also participating virtually and learning what things we can put in place to make our hybrid events a better experience for virtual participants. This morning we quickly realized there was a significant delay, the buffering was an issue, and when the keynote event event was over there was no transition or information on the screen about upcoming events. Not deal breakers, it was just less comfortable as a virtual participant.

Now I am off to the airport and 8+ hours of travel to the conference where I will attend face to face. How will my experience be different? Stay tuned!

Ideas For Earth Week or Year

2012-04-16T14:21:00.005-07:00

Earth Week (didn't it used to be just a day? and shouldn't it be every day?) is upon us. Our precious planet is once again in the limelight as citizens work to bring environmental consciousness forward.

What am I going to do to "celebrate?" Sadly, I have to fly and burn fossil fuels to attend the GMIC Conference, so my first act is to offset those greenhouse gas omissions by purchasing carbon offsets.

I am hoping this event brings about real change in our industry and I feel travel there is important so I will be using my time, energy and expertise very wisely during the conference. My goal is to share information with those of you unable to attend face to face or virtually (which is an option the rest of the MeetGreen staff will be using) and I will post from the Sustainable Meetings Conference.

Meanwhile, I am taking the opportunity afforded by Earth Week to rethink how both my personal and professional lives impact the Earth. If you would like to join me, here are some ideas to adopt similar to New Years Resolutions for Earth Year:

Purchase only recycled paper products for your kitchen and bathroom. You don't need virgin paper for any of these "cleaning issues" and recycled products for home and office are readily available.
Use natural cleaning products whenever possible. I have been experimenting with the cleaning properties of vinegar recently and the impact on kitchen stains and bacteria is truly amazing.
Eat one vegetarian meal per day, every day.
Walk to your errands or consolidate the trips into one. Both my home and office have nearly all of my usual stops within walking distance, so I don't have an excuse besides being lazy.
Plant a garden even if it is in a container on your patio. It has an added benefit of helping you understand your food. This may sound kind of crazy, but last week I gave a friend some onions sets to plant in his garden so he would have big, beautiful onions this summer. This sustainable friend said, "Hey, these look like onions." "Yes," I replied, "that is because they are onions, which are bulbs, which is what we cut up and eat when they reach full size." He seemed amazed.

Now it's your turn to come up with your own Earth Year resolutions! Imagine the incredible impact, if we all did just one thing to change our world.

We Interrupt This Broadcast

2012-04-13T11:06:00.003-07:00

To bring you this compelling video about why it is in your best interest to attend the GMIC Sustainable Meetings Conference...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4AzWdoKvLs&feature=youtu.be

No gimmicks, no lies, no buyer's remorse!

Confessions of an Introvert

2012-04-10T13:31:00.005-07:00

Hybrid meetings offer a variety of benefits and not all of them relate to economics or sustainability. Finally, introverts can join an event and still stay in their most productive zone by attending remotely. You see, research suggests, introverts feel their most alive when in quieter, low key environments. In fact, the open spaces and noisy receptions designed into most conferences are designed with the extrovert not the inrtovert in mind.

Funny, I have always felt awkward at networking receptions and decided there was something wrong with me. Why don't I think walking up to a group of people and introducing myself is exciting and fun? It wasn't until I listened to this TED talk by Susan Cain http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts.html and then started doing my own research, that I began to understand, it is because I am a natural introvert and most events are designed for extroverts.

Another epiphany was during EventCamp Vancouver when I really thought about how much I enjoy attending virtual events, presenting webinars, and contributing to my community through social media all without being face to face. I can engage when I am at my best, in a quieter, low key environment. Apparently, half the population agrees with me.

We introverts don't distract from those attending in person, but add to the collective learning and shouldn't have to apologize for our difference in style. This has been a huge awareness for me. As I move forward in the ever evolving world of meeting management, I commit to building a place for introverts to collaborate, to connect and to assume their important role in the conference world.

If you are not considering how to enroll introverts into your conference program or event your are missing 1/3 to 1/2 of the population. New technology gives you an easy way to do just that. Take the first step and listen to Susan Cain's TED talk. Listen with the filter of conference design in mind. She says it far better then I. Then take a look at your own events and determine how you can increase (yes, I said increase) participation by including a whole group of individuals who may not already be involved.

I will finish with one of my favorite quotes by Susan, "There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.” Right now, we need everyone's ideas to make a difference in our world.

Extra Points for Bunny Slippers?

2012-04-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

There I was in my bunny slippers lounging on the couch last November 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.

I believe one of the reasons I was so enrolled in the event was due to the "Get Your Green On" game app. It allowed me to upload photos, answer questions, earn points and engage with the onsite participants. Popular demand says, I was not the only one to feel this way. The game was so successful, that the partners who developed it have written a guide to tell you about their experiences and help you learn more about green apps. It is available for download here, http://meetgreen.com/services/workwith

Now, I am usually an conference organizer and not a participant, so this was a new role for me. 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 nestled at home.

On the Road Again

2012-03-28T13:38:00.005-07:00

This re-useable cup was given to me at a GMIC Conference over five years ago by the good folks in Toronto. Just like Shawna's favorite mug, it has traveled with me far and wide. This mug is cracked and the plastic is scratched so it is getting hard to read, but it still turns from blue to white whenever it is full of really hot water which has the added benefit of making sure I don't burn myself.

This travel trooper has been with me in three different countries and countless states. It has been on stage for all sorts of presentations, sat in on round table discussions, and kept me company while blogging. I bet it could teach sustainable meetings without my help.

My rough calculations lead me to believe it has saved nearly 1,000 disposable cups and water bottles from the landfill. Best of all, our partnership is not through yet as we pack up for the 2012 season.

Is Your Supply Chain Green? What to Ask.

2012-03-20T10:14:00.004-07:00

How can you tell if your supply chain is sustainable or making plans to be sustainable? Well, it all starts with "the ask."

The only way to know is to ask the questions during the RFP process you already use. Decide what practices are vital to your organization and what practices (if not already in place) vendors should be working towards. In meetings and events, many times vendors are in close contact with our key stakeholders such as exhibitors, sponsors and participants. Their green meeting practices reflect on the organization.

Here's a list of questions to get you started:

Does your organization have a written sustainability policy? Can you send it to me?
What is your sustainable purchasing policy?
How many of your products are environmentally preferable?
Do you purchase environmentally responsible products? What percentage?
Are your materials and/or labor sourced locally? What percentage?
Do you have a plan to minimize packaging?
Do you have a third party certification or meet the criteria outlined the in APEX/ASTM Standard for this sector?
How do you track and measure your performance?

Make your supply chain decisions based on the vendor who can provide the most sustainable product along with the usual factors such as cost, availability, accessibility, etc. Don't forget to do due diligence and include a measurement of their performance in the contract.

CSR Project Idea for World Water Day

2012-03-13T10:03:00.005-07:00

Every day, woman and children throughout Africa must walk an average of 3.1 miles to find fresh water. They then carry home a five gallon bucket of their days water supply on their shoulders or head. Nearly 1 billion people don't have access to clean, safe drinking water--almost none of them reside in the US. according to Martin Barrett, Portland Roasting Company and Walk for Water Event Sponsor.

The Walk for Water Event is bringing this crisis home to Portland on Saturday March 24th with a 3.1 mile walk or run (complete with water). The Oregon Chapter of GMIC is fielding a team to participate. If you want to make a commitment to join them and be part of the solution, contact Jenny or Lila. Note: Martin says the carrying the water is optional.

This type of event makes it easy for your organization to get involved in a CSR project. Think about fielding your own corporate team at an event in your community. What could be easier?

Hey Baby, What's Your Diversion Rate?

2012-03-08T15:53:00.005-08:00

Just like the old "fern bars" of my early days when, "What's your sign?" was a frequently asked question, the newest version of this opening line for sustainable planners may be about your venue's diversion rate. You know, the amount of waste diverted from the landfill during/after an event.

If you can't answer at least 40%, you won't be rockin' the new Level One APEX/ASTM Standards for Exhibits. That's right, the Level One requirement is a minimum 40% diversion rate for the show floor. This question is a sure thing, because the planner is required to include this request in the RFP, in their contract and then prove it happened.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

APEX/ASTM Exhibits Standard...Ready, Set, Go!

2012-03-06T17:48:00.004-08:00

Today I studied the APEX/ASTM Exhibits Standard, aka Standard Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Exhibits for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows and Conference, and I have to say, "Wow, here we go. The time for talk is over!"

Exhibits are complicated events when you take into account the communication required between the planner, event venue, general services contractor and exhibitors. Exhibits also potentially have huge environmental footprints in areas of waste, energy consumption and purchasing making sustainable practices vitally important. Take both of those ingredients and toss them together and then ensure that everything be covered in both the RFP and contracts. "Wow, we asked for this?"

Here's the good news...the APEX/ASTM Standards for Level One in Exhibits all seem quite reasonable and provide a checklist approach. The requirement to put it in all contracts is necessary for success. It is also good news that we are all finally playing from the same game book--we can finally define a green exhibit hall.

Here's my advice..take it slowly and don't try to accomplish everything at once. As a planner, I would seek out both venues and vendors who already comply with Level One. It will make your job much easier. As a venue/vendor, I would be working hard to comply with the Standards and let my potential clients know that. After all, now we are in this together.

Someday, I am going to look back at this moment and chuckle at my initial reaction because someday it will be normal practice to plan a sustainable meeting.

My thanks to all of those who did the really hard work of defining these Standards, we will make you proud!

It's the Little Things...

2012-02-28T11:17:00.004-08:00

If you are like me and can't compete with the amazing efforts of Oracle OpenWorld, don't be discouraged. Every thing you do along the way makes a difference. A couple of things brought this to mind this week:

My local power company sent me a letter congratulating me for choosing renewable power and telling me for the past year "the equivalent environmental benefit was avoiding 11,839 pounds of CO2 which is equal to not driving 12,037 miles or planting 139 trees."
Toni Gilbertson, Intel, told one of my colleagues she stopped using plastic bottled water at her event after meeting me in October, 2007. The savings over 5 years has kept an estimated 6 tons of plastic out of the waste stream.
While preparing our corporate report, I saw my air travel was almost one-half the amount of the year before, yet I was able to reach 1,848 participants. All 12 virtual presentations had zero carbon footprint for travel, not to mention the cost savings.

So in my own little way, I am making the world a better place.

Stop a moment and think about your everyday decisions which lessen the environmental impact. Now pat yourself on the back. Congratulations, keep up the good work!

Oracle OpenWorld Saves Half a Million Dollars

2012-02-23T09:31:00.004-08:00

That's right, by moving attendees in a more efficient and environmentally responsible manner, Oracle has saved $500K in transportation costs over the past 4 years. For more information about how they did it, take a look at page 11 of the Oracle Openworld 2011 Case Study http://www.meetgreen.com/files/articles/MeetGreen_OOW_2011_Sustainability_Report_Final.pdf

Page 7 of that report will tell you about how their Event Branding Team is also onboard and 86% of their signs were diverted from the landfill.

As an added bonus, this year Oracle OpenWorld took a look at what their compliance would be against (then proposed, now final) APEX/ASTM Standards and proposed ISO 20121 Standards. Details can be found on pages 16 and 17 of the report.

In addition, they have achieved the highest ranking for an event of their size on the MeetGreen Calculator at a score of 86%.

Our continued gratitude to the entire Event Team at Oracle OpenWorld for sharing this information with the rest of us that we may learn. It takes courage, authenticity and a genuine desire to better our industry's footprint upon this Earth.

The Standards Are Here, Now What?

2012-02-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

That's right, the APEX/ASTM Standards (8 out of 9 anyway) are now available online. The waiting is over, now it is time for action.

If you are like me, your mind is probably racing with questions like...What will they mean to my organization, events, and my position? Where can I find them? How can I implement them? What sector should I start on? How do we already measure up? What happens if we don't?

Breathe...breathe...breathe.

First of all remember, we are in this together, standing by the edge of the pool. Now it is time to hold our noses and jump in. The good news is, we can hold hands until we get used to the water. I will be posting our experiences working with the APEX/ASTM Standards as well as tips and information as it becomes available on this blog. Feel free to share yours so we can all learn from each other.

Today, let's start dangling our legs over the edge and getting our feet wet by reviewing the list and their descriptions. http://www.conventionindustry.org/StandardsPractices/APEXASTM/APEXASTMlist.aspx If you feel adventurous, wade in and download one.

"Be the first one in the pool," a wise woman once told me. Here is our chance!

15 Most Walkable Convention Centers

2012-02-13T09:09:00.001-08:00

One of the most important green meeting initiatives when selecting a destination for your meeting or event is walkability. Walkability simply means having access to parks, restaurants, hotels, shopping and grocery stores within walking distance. In this case, within walking distance of the convention center. This means your participants will not have to take a cab, rent a car or use public transportation. Saving money and the environment!

PCMA Convene recently published the 15 most walkable convention centers using the Walk Score walkability calculator. Convention centers are ranked from 1 to 100, with 100 being the best score. Here they are:

1. Colorado Convention Center, Denver - 97
2. Frontier Airlines Center, Milwaukie - 95
3. America's Center Convention Complex, St Louis - 95
4. Cleveland Center - 94
5. Albuquerque Convention Center - 92
6. Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, San Antonio - 91
7. Salt Palace, Salt Lake City - 91
8. Baltimore Convention Center - 89
9. Minneapolis Convention Center - 89
10. Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center - 86
11. Phoenix Convention Center - 86
12. San Diego Convention Center - 86
13. Oregon Convention Center - 85
14. George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston - 83
15. Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis - 80

If you want to take a look at other factors to consider when determining a destination for your event, check out Best Places to MeetGreen.

Insider's Perspective on APEX, GRI and ISO 20121

2012-02-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

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

2012-02-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-30T10:59:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

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.