Minneapolis Convention Center Unveils New Client Sustainability Reports for 2018

June 15, 2018

The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) has rolled out a new initiative to help event planners understand and minimize the environmental impact of their events: client sustainability reports.

According to MCC officials, these customized reports will provide event planners with detailed analysis on energy and water usage, as well as how much material was recycled by each conference, meeting or trade show. 

“Limiting our environmental impact is extremely important and our success is interconnected with the groups that hold their events with us,” said Mark Zirbel, director of facility and event services at the MCC.

He continued, “Waste is sorted and accounted for, so we have the data available. Sharing that detailed information with meeting planners and event coordinators arms them with valuable insights. It also allows them to see their success or how they could be more proactive in making a positive impact on the environment.”

The Midwest Poultry Federation, which held its 2018 Annual Convention at the MCC in March, was among the first to receive a tailored event sustainability report. Their report showed that sustainability efforts reduced the carbon impact of the event by 50 percent – the same amount of carbon offset by 30,345 trees in one year. 

To help planners put their numbers into context, MCC’s client sustainability reports use visuals, including trees and animals. 

“Our attendees are poultry farmers and they work hard every day to reduce their carbon footprint on the farm,” said Lara Durben, MPF assistant executive director. 

She added, “They will be very interested to see how the responsible use of water and energy along with the recovery of waste from our show makes a big difference to MCC’s overall sustainability program.”

Other examples of MCC’s recent green achievements include: 

  • In 2017, the facility produced 1,037 tons of waste, equal to the weight of 259 elephants, while staff recycling efforts recovered 61 percent of that waste, or 158 elephants.
  • In 2017, the MCC used enough energy to power 790 U.S. homes for one year. Through energy conservation, the facility has reduced its energy use by 13 percent since 2009 – enough to power 116 U.S. homes for one year.

“The Minneapolis Convention Center is a 1.6-million square foot facility that hosted 380 events in 2017,” said Jeff Johnson, MCC executive director. “By using our resources responsibly, we make a positive impact on our natural environment in this beautiful state.”

MCC began tracking its recycling efforts in 2012, when its recycling rate was 41 percent. 

By posting quarterly results, employees – who are considered integral to the success of the recycling program – see how their efforts can significantly impact the facility’s sustainability numbers. 

MCC staff has embraced the program, which has allowed the convention center to reach its goal of a 60 percent recycling rate, according to MCC officials.

In addition to client sustainability reports, ongoing initiatives at the facility include a roof-top solar array; a storm water run-off system that can divert 5 million gallons of untreated run-off from the Mississippi River every year; LED digital signage and water bottle refilling stations to discourage the use of single-use water bottles. 

The Minneapolis Convention Center is also LEED certified and has earned Green Meetings Industry Council certification. 

To learn more about the MCC’s sustainability efforts, go 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