Successful Meetings - January 2010 - (Page 28)

Convention Centers Pre-function space at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, which is now illuminated by environmentally friendly lighting in addition to taking advantage of natural light By Andrea Doyle andrea.doyle@nielsen.com oday’s conventions are held to make an impact on employees, shareholders, and investors, while at the same time incorporating tactics to make less of an impact on the planet. Environmentally responsible conventions are all the rage, and convention centers are responding with green roofs, solar panels, and sustainable meal functions. But the first question that must be addressed is, “What makes a convention center green?” The main attributes of green convention T centers are similar to those of green hotels: energy efficiency, waste management, responsible water use, greener transportation alternatives, and the use of environmentally friendly products. Unfortunately, unlike hotels, there are no popular greencertification programs for convention centers, so you must be your own advocate. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) pertains to how the center is built, but is READER R I • Operations managers are key to understanding a center’s green programs • Eliminating bottled water does not make a center green CONVENTION CENTERS THAT DON’T MAKEI SM I January 2010 I SuccessfulMeetings.com AN IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP IS GIVING SOME CONVENTION CENTERS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE http://www.SuccessfulMeetings.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - January 2010

Successful Meetings - January 2010
Contents
Editor's Letter
Taking the Reins
Incentive Insights
Meetings Law
Path to Success
Innovative Meetings
Convention Centers
Places and Spaces

Successful Meetings - January 2010