CHAPTER 12

Greener Events in Practice Chapter 12 Greener Events in Practice

Learning Objectives How to separate theory from practice Chapter 12 How to separate theory from practice How to take initiative How to turn challenges into opportunities How to research global trends to create best practices for your local economy How to unite staff, stakeholders, suppliers, and attendees How to tell your story through research and reporting

Opening Activity Chapter 12 Present online marketing strategies for farmer’s markets. What real-life challenges might you face when implementing this plan?

Take the First Step Chapter 12 “Try to make sustainability appealing and fun—it’s the only way to ensure people are engaged in it.” (Bruce MacMillan, Meeting Professionals International (MPI), interview, August 2010) The Armory, home to Oregon’s Portland Center Stage, is a spectacular venue for Greener events. Courtesy of Portland Center Stage.

Take the First Step Chapter 12 “Give yourself time. Don’t be too over eager. Keep a diary, and take notes as you go. Be open, be innovative.” (Kimberly Lewis, USGBC, interview, May 2010) “It takes some courage to make the first step to be innovative, but don’t be afraid to make the first move.” (John Graham, American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), interview, May 2010)

Think Globally, Act Locally Chapter 12 “Our members freely offer green event innovations to each other, and I cannot think of a single ISES member who has not incorporated a number of these new practices into their business models.” (Kevin Hacke, International Special Events Society, interview, October 2010)

Turn Challenges into Opportunities Chapter 12 “We want to make sure that we’re not only doing the minimum, we’re pushing the bar every year.” (Kimberly Lewis, (USGBC), interview, May 2010)

Unite Chapter 12 “Sourcing local food and gathering sustainable resources are important, but creating a dialogue at the pre-event planning meeting to suggest how to green the event process from the start is critical.” (Richard Aaron, BizBash Media, interview, October 2010) At The Big Tent, EventScotland provided reusable wooden signs that used actual plants to spell out “Scotland.”

Tell Your story Chapter 12 “The power of the face to face interaction is what our industry is about, but meetings and events need to minimize their carbon footprints by taking proactive steps now. “Write down your event’s environmental strategy and then measure your success against that. Having a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish is the key to getting it done.” (Arlene Campbell, Allstream Centre, interview, August 2010)

Green Festival Check out www.greenfestivals.org. Chapter 12 Check out www.greenfestivals.org. How can you get involved?

Capstone Project Chapter 12 Produce a greener meeting or event that features sustainable approaches to Transportation Waste management Energy and water Cuisine and décor Venue and vendors Equality and accessibility

Capstone Project Create the following Produce the event Chapter 12 Create the following Strategic Green Plan with KPIs Risk assessment Marketing strategy Evaluation methods Produce the event Report on your success