The Theory and Practice of Greener Meetings and Events

CHAPTER 1Chapter 1The Theory and Practice of Greener Meetings and EventsLearning ObjectivesWhy sustainability is at the forefront of the meeting and event industry’s futureHow greener meetings and events have emerged historicallyThe meaning and significance of sustainable developmentHow ecotourism informs and influences greener meetings and eventsCHAPTER 1Learning ObjectivesHow corporate social responsibility (CSR) and outgreening increasingly motivate modern businessHow innovation, conservation, and education define greener meetings and eventsHow emerging forces and trends in the conventions, hospitality, tourism, conference, and event industries are driving greener meetings and eventsCHAPTER 1Opening ActivityGroup Discussion: What does it mean to be “green”?CHAPTER 1Opening Activity“Green” can mean a lot of things. We will look at these aspects:TransportationWaste managementEnergy and waterFood and decorationSocial responsibilityCHAPTER 1A TheoryCHAPTER 1Attendees at Coachella relax under the giant solar panels that will provide the energy to light the Ascension sculpture later that night. Courtesy of Coachella.Sustainable events produce superior experiences.Ascension at CoachellaCHAPTER 1This low-energy art installation at Coachella music festival is solar powered. Courtesy of Coachella.Sustainable Development“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (Brundtland report 1987, ch. 2).CHAPTER 1Ecotourism“A sustainable, non-invasive form of nature-based tourism that focuses primarily on learning about nature first-hand, and which is ethically managed to be low-impact, non-consumptive, and locally oriented.” (Fennell 2007, p. 24).CHAPTER 1Fair TradeBetter prices (prices that do not fall below market price)Decent working conditionsLocal sustainabilityFair terms of trade between farmers and workers that don’t discriminate against the poorest, weakest producers (www.fairtrade.org.uk) CHAPTER 1Corporate Social ResponsibilityBusiness practices that areEthicalCharitableResponsibleCHAPTER 1OutgreeningUsing environmental strategies to gain a competitive advantageBeat the competition!CHAPTER 1Innovation, Conservation, EducationCHAPTER 1Emerging Forces and TrendsCHAPTER 1Sector Forces Trends Conventions and exhibitions Industry recognizes demand and opportunities for sustainable practices. Major associations are formed. Hospitality Hotels show increased attention to reducing waste. Individual chains outgreen the competition. Industry associations advocate for greener hotels. Incentive travel Negative environmental impacts of travel, including carbon debt of air travel, factor into some travel decisions. Ecotourism becomes more prominent. There is increased demand for greener, more ecotouristic incentive travel events. Meetings and eventsClients demand ethical and environmental events. Industry recognizes opportunities of greener events. Outstanding greener events gain public eye. Certifications and standards emerge. All sectors There is increased awareness of global warming and climate change. Public becomes more interested in green business strategies. Global recession beginning in 2008 affects events industry. Increased demand for greener events. Opportunities emerge for early adopters. Emerging associations, certifications, and industrial standards gain more prominence. Emerging StandardsBS 8901US Green Meetings StandardCHAPTER 1Green is the New Black!Old TrendsNew TrendsLuxury➔ResponsibilityExtravagant events ➔Ethical eventsVery important person (VIP) ➔ Environmentally friendly practice (EFP)Black tie ➔ Vintage tieRed carpet ➔ Recycled carpetElaborate invitations ➔ Recycled paper or e-vitesCaviar and lobster ➔ Sustainably harvested seafoodExpensive giveaways ➔ Charitable giveaways such as carbon offsetsCHAPTER 1IMEXIMEX 2010 Green InitiativesThe badge lanyards will be made from plant silk, an organic material manufactured from the waste stems of grain crops. Recycled and recyclable paper badges coated in corn-starch laminate.Recycled and recyclable luggage tags coated in corn-starch laminate.CHAPTER 1IMEXIMEX 2010 Green InitiativesAn anti-idling policy for IMEX buses.The use of biodiesel buses for 20 percent of the hosted buyer transfers.Reusable, recyclable polypropylene visitor bags and jute bags for Association Day.Encouraging hosted buyers to travel by train where possible.CHAPTER 1Lightning RoundSustainable developmentEcotourismFair tradeCorporate social responsibility (CSR)OutgreeningIncentive travelGreener meetings and eventsCHAPTER 1HomeworkBring in a recent news article about an environmental issue from a major newspaper.How could this issue affect meetings and events?CHAPTER 1