1. Chapter 1

2. The Theory and Practice of Greener Meetings and Events
Chapter 1
The Theory and Practice of Greener Meetings and Events

3. Learning Objectives
Chapter 1
Why sustainability is at the forefront of the meeting and event industry’s future
How greener meetings and events have emerged historically
The meaning and significance of sustainable development
How ecotourism informs and influences greener meetings and events

4. Learning Objectives
Chapter 1
How corporate social responsibility (CSR) and outgreening increasingly motivate modern business
How innovation, conservation, and education define greener meetings and events
How emerging forces and trends in the conventions, hospitality, tourism, conference, and event industries are driving greener meetings and events

5. Opening Activity Group Discussion: What does it mean to be “green”?
Chapter 1
Group Discussion: What does it mean to be “green”?

6. Opening Activity
Chapter 1
“Green” can mean a lot of things. We will look at these aspects:
Transportation
Waste management
Energy and water
Food and decoration
Social responsibility

7. A Theory Sustainable events produce superior experiences. Chapter 1
Attendees at Coachella relax under the giant solar panels that will provide the energy to light the Ascension sculpture later that night. Courtesy of Coachella.

8. Ascension at Coachella
Chapter 1
This low-energy art installation at Coachella music festival is solar powered. Courtesy of Coachella.

9. Sustainable Development
Chapter 1
“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).

10. Ecotourism
Chapter 1
“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).

11. Fair Trade Better prices (prices that do not fall below market price)
Chapter 1
Better prices (prices that do not fall below market price)
Decent working conditions
Local sustainability
Fair terms of trade between farmers and workers that don’t discriminate against the poorest, weakest producers (

12. Corporate Social Responsibility
Chapter 1
Business practices that are
Ethical
Charitable
Responsible

13. Outgreening
Chapter 1
Using environmental strategies to gain a competitive advantage
Beat the competition!

14. Innovation, Conservation, Education
Chapter 1

15. Emerging Forces and Trends
Chapter 1
Sector
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 events
Clients 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.

16. Emerging Standards
Chapter 1
BS 8901
US Green Meetings Standard

17. Green is the New Black! Chapter 1 Old Trends New Trends Luxury ➔
Responsibility
Extravagant events
Ethical events
Very important person (VIP)
Environmentally friendly practice (EFP)
Black tie
Vintage tie
Red carpet
Recycled carpet
Elaborate invitations
Recycled paper or e-vites
Caviar and lobster
Sustainably harvested seafood
Expensive giveaways
Charitable giveaways such as carbon offsets

18. IMEX IMEX 2010 Green Initiatives
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IMEX 2010 Green Initiatives
The 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.

19. IMEX IMEX 2010 Green Initiatives An anti-idling policy for IMEX buses.
Chapter 1
IMEX 2010 Green Initiatives
An 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.

20. Lightning Round Sustainable development Ecotourism Fair trade
Chapter 1
Sustainable development
Ecotourism
Fair trade
Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Outgreening
Incentive travel
Greener meetings and events

21. Homework
Chapter 1
Bring in a recent news article about an environmental issue from a major newspaper.
How could this issue affect meetings and events?