Meeting News - March 24, 2008 - (Page 52)

Choices & Change: Lessons from My First Green Event ith all the news about green efforts in the meeting industry, a funny thing happened to me: I was really inspired. So, in late February, I made my first efforts to make Successful Meetings University events more environmentally friendly. In addition to reducing bulky registration materials, reusing badges, and encouraging everyone to recycle, for SMU – Southeast I asked my suppliers to take a sustainable approach to our food and beverPlanner age events. I also brought on industry educators who could speak Emily Lewis about the importance of being eco-conscious and mention a few steps planners can take to make a difference in their own events. W Provide a garbage can – Convenient access to a regular garbage can is important so people don’t —Emily Lewis mix garbage with recycables. r Emily Lewis plans meetings for meeting planners—no easy task! She is the conference manager for MeetingNews and sister magazine Successful Meetings,organizing multiple Successful Meetings University events across the country each year. Join me… While I was very pleased with the results of the meeting (and I got some great feedback from both suppliers and planners), I did learn some lessons that I will take with me as I continue my efforts— and I think they are worth sharing. Raising Awareness Raising awareness with your audience is tricky. Unless you have environment-oriented content in your meeting, it’s important not to get too heavy handed with efforts to explain the green elements of your program. Make notes on printed materials where it is appropriate – on the agenda, on menus, and even on signage if there is room. But don’t delay or drag out any portion of the program just to explain how green you’ve made it. Instead, try one of these options: Education – Give your presenter some information about your efforts and let him or her say a few words at the close of their session. Teambuilding – For my SMU – Southeast program, we held a green-themed scavenger hunt that got attendees engaged in the cause. Food & Beverage Sourcing local food – Know your audience’s taste and source locally when possible, but don’t sacrifice your goal of pleasing attendees’ palates by limiting your menu to local-only ingredients. Allow more time – An extra 15 minutes is helpful when you make the eco-conscious decision not to pre-pour water and other beverages. Recycling Make announcements – Without being obtrusive to the meeting, make announcements about where receptacles are located and do it every day. Clear labels – Make sure all recycling bins are labeled consistently with both verbage and a picture of what can be placed inside. Successful Meetings University Marketplaces that Educate & Connect Successful Meetings University – Hawaii DATE: May 13-15 CITY: Wailea, Maui, HI PROPERTY: Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa *Optional Post Trips to Oahu, Kauai, or Big Island May 16-19 EXHIBITORS Big Island Visitors Bureau • Fairmont Kea Lani • Hawaii Convention Center • Hawaii Prince Hotels • Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau • Hawaiian Airlines • Hilton Kauai Beach Resort • Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio • Hyatt Kauai • Hyatt Maui • Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa • Kaua'i Visitors Bureau • Marriott International Hawaiian Island Hotels • Maui Prince Hotel • Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau • Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows • Polynesian Cultural Center • Sheraton Kauai Resort • Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa • Sheraton Maui Resort • St. Regis Resort, Princeville • Starwood Hotels & Resorts Waikiki • The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii • The Kahala Hotel & Resort • The Westin Maui Resort & Spa • Turtle Bay Resort • Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa • Weil & Associates Destination Update: Maui, Hawaii Don’t miss the opportunity to research Hawaii for your next meeting. For the first time, we will hold our program on the island of Maui. The oceanfront location of our host resort, the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, is unsurpassed, featuring gorgeous views and spectacular outdoor function spaces. The resort offers 45,000 sf of indoor meeting space in 21 rooms, including a 13,800sf ballroom. The property’s 499 guest rooms offer Marriott Revive bedding packages. For this fully hosted program, planners will meet one-on-one with suppliers from all the Hawaiian Islands, have site visits of Maui meetings properties, and the opportunity to network with their peers. Plus, an optional post-travel program allows planners to visit another island of choice. Visit our Successful Meetings University website, www.MeetingNews.com/SMU, for the latest information about these programs, and feel free to e-mail any questions about the events to emily.lewis@nielsen.com. We’re expecting to hear from you! 52 MeetingNews March 24, 2008 www.meetingnews.com http://www.mimegasite.com/mimegasite/events/marketplace.jsp http://www.mimegasite.com/mimegasite/events/marketplace.jsp http://www.MeetingNews.com/SMU http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - March 24, 2008

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