Successful Meetings - November 2008 - (Page 33)

Planner’s Planner’s > On Site Workshop Workshop The Green Attendee Checklist By Vincent Alonzo Depending on the details of the event, a green event can be a natural fit for a corporate meeting theme: What better way to drive home the point of improving productivity than having a sustainable meeting? It can also add to the bottom line. In many instances, it will save you money such as reduced costs for printing handouts and creating fewer signs. You can also stress to clients that it is the socially responsible thing to do. But before any of that can happen, you have to gain buy-in from your attendees. You must convince your conference attendees to “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk” when it comes to saving the environment. It takes a commitment from the attendee as well as the organization to garner the benefits of going green. Here is a checklist to distribute to all your attendees to use as a roadmap for sustainable participation in the event: Walk between conference venues, or use transit if distances are too great (no shuttles offered). Participate in the recycling programs offered by the convention center and host hotels. Turn the lights off when leaving hotel rooms. Bring and re-use water bottles. Pass on the daily paper unless they intend to read and recycle it. Don’t order room service or take out to minimize the individual packaging. Vincent Alonzo is the editor-in-chief of Successful Meetings. He can be reached at vince.alonzo@nielsen.com. The EPA Green Meetings Checklist for Facilities The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has collaborated with the Convention Industry Council and ASTM International to develop the following green standards for meetings industry facilities. It’s a great checklist to use on site inspections to assess a facility’s green commitment. Recycling program Linen / towel reuse option Easy access to public transportation or shuttles Policy to turn off lights and A/C when rooms are not in use Reusable service utensils, napkins, and tablecloths SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS NOVEMBER 2008 successfulmeetings.com Bulk dispensers or reusable containers for beverages, food, and condiments Energy efficiency program Water conservation program Paperless check-in and check-out for guests Use of recycled or recyclable products Employee training for green activities Use of locally grown foods Source: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 33 http://www.successfulmeetings.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - November 2008

Successful Meetings - November 2008
Editor's Note
Supplier News - Wyndham Worldwide Launches Green Program and Website with a "Global Green Day"
On the Record
Calendar
Supplier News - Oregon Convention Center Earns Silver LEED�Rating
Planner Spotlight
Management Matters
Meetings Law
Mouth for Sale
Websites of the Month
Professional Development - 25 Eco-Friendly Holiday Business Gift Ideas
Pre-Event
Professional Development - The Green Meetings Glossary
Tools of the Trade
On Site
When Red and Blue Make Green
Green Your Golf
Green-Centric Events Have Spice
The Green Continent
Places & Spaces
Las Vegas
South Africa Supplement
Bermuda
Dallas Metroplex
Kansas City / St. Louis
Boston
Gurus
California: New Perspectives

Successful Meetings - November 2008