Cobo Center’s Green Efforts Rewarded with Sustainable Brands Conference Moving to Detroit
May 23, 2016
The Cobo Center’s green efforts are paying off, with the Detroit-based venue snagging the Sustainable Brands conference next year, which previously was held in San Diego.
“Sustainable Brands has been committed to reducing and managing the environmental impact of our flagship conference for years now and we are excited to be bringing our community to Cobo Center in May 2017,” said David Fiss, executive producer of Live Events at Sustainable Brands.
He added, “In 2013, we were the first event organizer in North America to achieve conformity to the ISO 20121 Standard requiring event organizers to identify and understand the effects that their activities have on the environment, society and the economy. We embrace the opportunity to work with the team at Cobo in the coming months and support their continued sustainability leadership in this industry."
In 2015, Cobo was the 9th convention center to achieve the Green Meetings Industry Council’s APEX/ASTM standard certification.
“We are having a terrific year for events in Cobo,” said Claude Molinari, the center’s general manager. “And with the improvements in our sustainability program, including kitchen and food court composting, we expect to attract more green events in the near future.”
Local recognition for the venue’s sustainability efforts includes awards from Detroit EcoWorks, Keep Michigan Beautiful and recognition as a Michigan Green Leader by the Detroit Free Press.
The number of events at Cobo Center continues to increase year over year, as reflected in the increase in total event income of approximately 15 percent after the first six months of the 2016 fiscal year. Customer satisfaction also is at an all-time high at 90 percent or above in all areas of operation, according to the recent quarterly customer survey report, compiled by e-autofeedback, a standard event industry survey provider.
“We consider our sustainability measures part of our overall technology offering in Cobo,” said Greg DeSandy, director of sales and event services at Cobo Center.
He added, “Every aspect of technology in Cobo now creates an integrated tool set for event branding. Green events and all events can use these branding tools to promote sponsors, generate revenue and report event sustainability data to their constituents.”
In 2014, Cobo Center added giant exterior digital signs and 100 meeting room message boards to the technology offering and both are used to eliminate paper use and highlight sustainability to local, national and international attendees and media.
“We believe it's important for a facility, that generates such a great amount of waste, to do something to offset its carbon footprint,” Molinari said. “This came to the forefront of our operation as something to differentiate Cobo from our main competition in trying to procure events. Green event support at Cobo is provided at no charge to the customer.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment