ASAE Joins with American Forests to Plant One Tree Per Annual Meeting Attendee
July 30, 2012
The world is about to get a little bit greener with a major commitment by the American Society of Association Executives through a partnership with American Forests to plant one tree per attendee to ASAE’s Annual Meeting & Exposition.
The meeting, on tap Aug. 11-14 at the Dallas Convention Center, typically attracts approximately 5,000 attendees.
This effort, part of American Forests’ new Meeting ReLeaf program, will offset the carbon footprint of the meeting and augment ASAE’s broader sustainability efforts, according to ASAE officials.
All the trees will be planted in Texas in honor of the host state for this year’s annual meeting.
“In the past five years, ASAE has made major strides in our efforts to make conferences and events more environmentally friendly and socially beneficial,” said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE.
He added, “Our collaboration with American Forests provides us with a great opportunity to help the local climate by planting trees and reducing our carbon footprint. I urge other associations to consider ways they can reduce their carbon emissions when possible.”
As part of the Meeting ReLeaf program, associations can work with American Forests to calculate and offset their carbon emissions.
People attending the 2012 Annual Meeting & Exposition can learn more about this initiative at American Forests “Green Lounge.”
“Organizations can make a real difference in the health of our planet by planting trees to offset the carbon footprint of their meetings and conventions,” said Scott Steen, FASAE, CAE, CEO and president at American Forests. “Planting trees in carefully chosen forest restoration projects is one of the most cost effective ways to sequester carbon, plus it has all sorts of added benefits for the environment.”
He added, “Forest trees not only remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, they also provide the majority of our clean water, enriching soil, provide wildlife habitat, and soak up air pollutants. It is also just a wonderful thing to be able to say that you planted a tree for every person attending a meeting or convention.”
The partnership is a next step in ASAE’s efforts to address meetings-related carbon emissions. Here are some of their other actions:
ASAE works with host hotels to serve local food and beverages to diminish transportation-related emissions.
ASAE’s preferred travel agency, ATC Travel Management, offsets air travel emissions for ASAE attendees who book online through its Web site.
Some host hotels offer attendees the chance to offset guestroom-related emissions. Marriott International Inc., for example, offers offsets through continued protection of it Brazilian rainforest preserve.
“We especially want to thank the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, American Forests, our host hotels, and our vendors and exhibitors who are all critical partners in our sustainability efforts,” Graham said.
He added, “A lighter footprint would be much harder to achieve without their infrastructure, expertise, and enthusiasm.”
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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