Greening Your Meetings and Conferences

1. Greening Your Meetings and Conferences “What is a GREEN Meeting”?

2. What is a “green meeting”?

3. Definition of Green Meetings & Its Economic Impact…. • A green meeting or event incorporates environmental considerations to minimize its negative impact on the environment. • Green or environmental considerations are one aspect of Sustainability.  • Sustainability takes a "triple bottom line" approach that seeks to balance the social, environmental, and economic concerns against business needs. What are the Benefits of Green Meetings & Events? • Being environmentally responsible can have economic benefits for the event organizer. In fact, many environmental activities can actually save money. Example: Collecting name badge holders for reuse at an event of 1,300 attendees can save approximately $975.00 for the event organizer.

4. Did you know that… The meeting and event industry is the 2nd most wasteful industry in the United States?!

5. PLANNERS What are things planners can do to reduce or eliminate some of the waste?

6. WASTE MANAGEMENT TIPS • Inquire with each property about their green initiatives • Use green vendors • Educate attendees • Start behavior change by offering incentives Ex: Meet Close. Save Energy. • Implement a green policy at your agency • Consider sustainable products Ex: Recycled Giveaways, etc.

7. SUPPLIERS What are things suppliers can do to reduce or eliminate some of the waste?

8. Suppliers: Do the following…. • Use paperless technology. Ex: Scanner, Electronic Faxing, Smart Phones, etc. • Use water-filling stations instead of bottled waters. • Use china, flatware and linens instead of disposable goods. • Reuse. Recycle. Reduce. • Use potted plants for décor instead of cut flowers. • Eat local. Buy local. Ex: Local Farmers Market

9. WASTE MANAGEMENT TIPS • Once a hotel is done with their use of supplies….some will donate linens, towels, amenity containers, miscellaneous, furniture and equipment to local charities. • Once a meeting planner is done with their supplies….

10. Samples of Hotel “Green Initiatives” • Natural/Daylight Lighting OR High-efficiency lighting in guest rooms, meeting rooms, and public areas • Water conserving fixtures • Environmentally preferred suppliers & products • Reward guests with hotel points in lieu of having their guestrooms serviced. • Elimination of styrofoam packaging.

11. Questions?

12. Tour of Facility Embassy Suites Dallas Park Central would love to host your next event…. Please contact one of our staff members should you be interested in completing a site tour. Thank You!!