When planning a convention or business meeting, location is key – not only can it be a draw for attendees, but it can also make an environmental impact. Choose an area with eco-friendly hotels and good public transportation to save money for delegates and to help reduce the event's carbon footprint.
Choose an Environmentally Friendly Facility for Corporate Meetings
When making arrangements, select a sustainable, LEED or zero-waste hotel. What's more, see if the meeting can take place outdoors, where natural light can replace energy-inefficient light fixtures or headache-inducing fluorescent lights. Both the attendees and the expense report will benefit.
Go Paperless at Meetings to Reduce Waste, Save Money
Instead of printing handouts and proceedings, consider using CDs, jump drives or flash drives to store the information and distribute it to attendees or delegates. Not only does it save time, but it is a more environmentally friendly option. In addition, an electronic copy of papers and other notes helps attendees to stay organized. If paper is required, such as for note pads, opt for recycled paper.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Convention Signage and Other Convention Items
When planning a convention, choose items that can be used more than once, such as badge holders and signs with non-event-specific verbiage. This way, the items can be turned in at the end of the meeting by attendees and used again at other events.
Serve Tap Water to Save Money at Business Meetings
Ask the catering department to serve iced tap water (flavored with lemons, limes, cucumbers, or other in-season fruits or vegetables, or fresh herbs) instead of plastic water bottles that can be recycled – but will most likely be thrown into the trash. Have pitchers or dispensers located in central areas as well as on meeting room tables, and ask attendees to reuse their glasses.
Implement a Casual Corporate Dress Code
A casual or business casual dress code ensures that clothing will not need to be dry cleaned, thus saving attendees' money and helping to reduce environmental impact. What's more, convention attendees and delegates dressed in more casual clothes will feel more comfortable.
City Transportation Saves Time and Money for Meeting Attendees
Think about the convention city location – is good, safe and reliable public transportation available? By using a shuttle service, subway, bus or light rail to get from place to place, attendees and businesspeople can save both money and time, especially if it means passing on a rental car. In addition, public transportation is easier on the environment.
Making business meetings more environmental friendly can be achieved with a few careful considerations.
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