Check Out New Sustainable Events Calculator; Take Global Survey on Convention Center Sustainability Trends

April 12, 2017

As more sustainably minded shows seek to track, measure and lessen their environmental impact, it makes sense that green event industry organizations would answer the call by providing comprehensive tools that give organizers frameworks for accomplishing those objectives.

Launched on March 25 to coincide with Earth Hour, the MeetGreen Calculator 2.0 for Sustainable Events is designed to measure sustainable event management practices by assessing the environmental impact of conference activities in several key areas, allowing event organizers to benchmark their achievements and compare progress against other events.

Updated to align with current industry standards, track green meeting initiatives and provide state-of-the-art reporting with a newly-designed, user-friendly interface, the new and improved Calculator comes in two options: the Standard version, which allows organizers to assess their event and benchmark their practices before taking additional steps, and the Advanced version, which provides a more in-depth look at the practices and indicators to track event sustainability data.

“By reporting on green practices in categories such as destination selection, general service contractor, venue, audio-visual and more for each event, organizers have a way to benchmark their practices,” explained Nancy Zavada, president of MeetGreen.

She continued, “They can then assess their practices against similar events, see how they measure up and see what areas might need more concentrated efforts. If they benchmark their event every time it’s held, they can check their progress in all 14 categories and report on the success. The reports can then be used to share information with key stakeholders to celebrate those successes. (The Calculator) also provides a checklist of practices organizers may want to consider in the future to be more sustainable, which helps with future planning.”

Integrated with aspects of the ISO 20121 and APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meeting Standards, the new Calculator has been expanded to assess over 200 event management practices and measurable outcomes related to sustainability across the following 14 categories:

·      Accommodations

·      Agencies

·      Audio-Visual

·      Carbon Offsets

·      Catering

·      CSR Project

·      Destination

·      Exhibit Contractors

·      Exhibitors & Sponsors

·      Marketing & Communications

·      Measurement

·      Onsite

·      Transportation

·      Venue

Since finding and understanding sustainability descriptions, definitions and information resources can slow the reporting process considerably, the 2.0 version of the Calculator also includes helpful information alongside the platform’s questions so users don’t have to leave the page or search for a help option.

For more information about the MeetGreen Calculator 2.0, go here.

Meanwhile, Greenview, a global company of event industry professionals committed to the advancement of sustainability across the hospitality, meetings and events, travel and tourism industries at the organizational level, has released its fourth annual Green Venue Report survey to compare the sustainability practices and performance of convention and exhibition centers throughout the world.

Launched on March 15, the multi-question survey is open to all meeting and trade show venues through April 30.

Intended to help the industry understand its collective impact, catalyze best practices, and stimulate competition around global convention and exhibition center sustainability, the Green Venue Report compares performance over a wide-range of areas, including energy, efficiency, waste management, water usage, food and beverage services, cleaning practices, staff involvement, communications, health and wellbeing, and certifications.

By collecting and comparing performance data and identifying innovative practices, venues can see how they perform against their peers and the industry can better understand its aggregate impact, progress, best practices and innovation, according to Amanda Simons, senior manager for Greenview.

“Venues are often the most influential event partner for show management teams and can greatly influence the sustainability performance of their events,” Simons said.

She added, “Embracing sustainability can lead to many benefits for the venue and coordinator, including increased efficiencies and potentially associated cost savings, more engaged staff, satisfied customers and a competitive green distinction within the industry.”

So far, more than 70 convention and exhibition centers across North America, Asia, Europe and Australia have confirmed participation in the 2017 survey and report, which is set to be published in July.

For more information and to sign up for the 2017 survey and report, go here.

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Partner Voices
Less than six months ago, Lisa Messina joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) as the first-ever chief sales officer after leading the sales team at Caesars Entertainment. A 12-year Las Vegas resident, Messina is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and serves on MPI International’s board of directors. TSNN had a chance to catch up with this dynamic leader and talk to her about her vision for the new role, current shifts in the trade show industry, creating more diversity and equity within the organization, and advice to future female leaders. Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer, LVCVA With Las Vegas becoming The Greatest Arena on EarthTM, what are some of the things you’re most excited about in your role? Our team was at The Big Game’s handoff ceremony earlier this month, and I couldn’t help but think, “We’re going to crush it next year!”  These high-profile events and venues not only drive excitement, but also provide unmatched opportunities for event planners. Allegiant Stadium hosts events from 10 to 65,000 people and offers on-field experiences. Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Las Vegas in November, after the year-one F1 race, the four-story paddock building will be available for buyouts and will also offer daily ride-along experiences that will be available for groups. And, of course, the MSG Sphere officially announced that it will open in September, ahead of schedule, with a U2 residency. It’s going to be the most technologically advanced venue as far as lighting, sound, feel, and even scent, and it will be available for buyouts and next-level sponsorships inside and outside. There’s no ceiling to what you can do when you’re doing events in Las Vegas.  Allegiant Stadium As the trade show and convention business returns to the pre-pandemic levels, what shifts are you noticing and how do you think they will impact the industry going forward? Our trade show organizers are very focused on driving customer experience. Most of our organizers are reporting stronger exhibitor numbers and increased numbers of new exhibitors, with trade shows proving to be almost or above 2019 levels. Now our organizers are really doubling down on driving attendance and focusing on the data to provide that individualized, customized experience to help attendees meet their goals and get the best value. Some companies continue to be cautiously optimistic with their organizational spend when it comes to sending attendees, but I think it will continue to improve. As the U.S. Travel Association makes more progress on the U.S. visa situation, we also expect a growing influx of international attendees. What are some innovative ways the LVCVA helps trade show and convention organizers deliver the most value for their events? We focus on customer experience in the same way that trade show organizers are thinking about it. We got rave reviews with the West Hall Expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), so over the next two years, we will be renovating the North and the Central halls, which will include not just the same look and feel, but also the digital experiences that can be leveraged for branding and sponsorship opportunities.  Vegas Loop, the underground transportation system designed by The Boring Company, is also a way we have enhanced the customer experience. Vegas Loop at the LVCC has transported more than 900,000 convention attendees across the campus since its 2021 launch. Last summer, Resorts World and The Boring Company opened the first resort stop at the Resorts World Las Vegas , with plans to expand throughout the resort corridor, including downtown Las Vegas, Allegiant Stadium and Harry Reid International Airport. The LVCVA also purchased the Las Vegas Monorail in 2020, the 3.9-mile-long elevated transportation system that connects eight resorts directly to the convention center campus. This is the only rail system in the world that integrates fares directly into show badges and registration. For trade show organizers, these transportation options mean saving time, money and effort when it comes to moving groups from the hotels to LVCC and around the city. Also, the more we can focus on building the infrastructure around the convention center, the more it supports the customer experience and ultimately supports our trade show organizers. Scheduled to debut in Q4, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will offer 3,700 hotel rooms and 550,000 square feet of meeting and convention space next to LVCC.  What are some of the plans for advancing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within your organization? We’re currently partnering with instead of working with a leading consulting firm, to lay the foundation and create a solid DEI plan and be the leader when it comes to DEI initiatives. The heart of that journey with the consulting firm is also talking to our customers about their strategic approaches to DEI and driving innovation in this space.  What are your favorite ways to recharge? My husband and I have an RV and we’re outdoorsy people. So, while we have over 150,000 world-class hotel rooms and renowned restaurants right outside our doorstep, one of my favorite things to do is get out to Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead. Five of the top national parks are within a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, so there’s a lot you can do. We love balancing the energy of Las Vegas with nature, and we’re noticing that a lot of attendees add activities off the Strip when they come here.  Valley of Fire What advice would you give to women following leadership paths in destination marketing? I think it’s about being laser-focused on what you want to accomplish; building a team around you that lifts you and helps you achieve your goals; and being humble and realizing that you do it as a group. No one gets this done alone. Thankfully, there are a lot of women in leadership in this organization, in our customers’ organizations, and in this city that we can be really proud of. We’re a formidable force that is making things happen.   This interview has been edited and condensed. This article is exclusively sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. For more information, visit HERE.