Cobo Center Obtains Recertification to International Green Meeting Standard
April 5, 2017
In an effort to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and attract more sustainably minded events, Detroit’s Cobo Center has achieved APEX/ASTM Venue Standard recertification.
Developed by ASTM International and the Convention Industry Council’s Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX), the Venue Standard is one of nine APEX/ASTM Standards for Sustainable Meetings and Events that were created by the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and events industry to provide planners and suppliers with specific guidelines and performance measurements for producing more environmentally sustainable events.
“We continue to make strides in improving the sustainability of our offerings, including a new kitchen and food court composting program,” said Claude Molinari, Cobo Center general manager.
He added, “Getting recertified to the ASTM Green Meeting Standard and hosting Sustainable Brands 2017 signals that our efforts are truly world class.”
Billed as the largest convening of global brand leaders and sustainability practitioners, SB‘17 is set for May 22-25 at the Cobo Center, where more than 2,000 attendees are expected to converge.
“Sustainable Brands is excited to partner with suppliers and venues like Cobo who demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices,” said David Fiss, Sustainable Brands executive producer of live events and member of the Convention Industry Council’s Sustainability Leadership Council.
He continued, “Doing so helps our event meet our sustainability goals, educate our attendees and encourage other suppliers to the meeting and events industry to do the same. A sustainable event is more thoughtful and creates a better participant experience.”
The APEX/ASTM Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Venues for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows and Conferences standard outlines the procedural requirements for venue selection and specific performance criteria for staff management, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement and community partners.
Cobo Center initially achieved this certification in 2015 and was the ninth convention facility in the U.S. to do so.
In addition, the Venues certification is the fifth credential Cobo Center has earned related to its ambitious sustainability efforts.
In 2012, Cobo Center became the largest Green Venues Michigan facility; in 2014, it was designated an EcoWorks Sustainable Communities Champion; in 2015 the Detroit Free Press named Cobo Center a Detroit Green Leader and in 2016, Keep Michigan Beautiful awarded the facility its highest honor, the KMB President’s Plaque.
Learn more about Cobo Center’s green initiatives here.
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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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