Yes, there were badges involved (well over 1800 of them!), and yes, they were printed on 100% post-consumer content recycled stock using soy inks and green printing processes, and yes, the badgeholders were compostable...but this time we're not posting about attendee management. (Gasp!)
This post is about our passion for sustainability initiatives in our industry, and a little success story we'd like to share about the Governors' Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles.
AMS's parent company, Genesis Creative Group, was brought in again to manage registration and logistics for the GGCS2, which took place at the Hyatt Recency Century Plaza in Los Angeles. Your green badge queen was happily put in charge of all greening iniatives from the onset. In the initial sourcing, we asked the Hyatt to fill out a long "hotel greening best practices" questionaire about current processes in place at the hotel. After review, we developed a contract addendum devoted to greening that put in place key performance indicators and goals- that must have been met with penalties in place for non-compliance.
The hotel's director of engineering and head chef worked together with the conference services manager to enact all of the iniatives- even going so far as to implement a hotel-wide food waste reclamation process for all outlets, and an elimination of all styrofoam from the hotel. The result of this little greening contract addendum realized nearly 3 tons a week drop in landfill pull for the hotel.
We are so proud of the Hyatt, and all the amazing work they did to create the greenest event possible. From the registration process, where we collected attendee travel and rideshare data, to the limitations on bottled beverages and paper at the event, and even to the conference giveaways (Thanks to Cynergreen for the excellent water bottles that passed stringent toxicity tests by CalEpa and to EcoPromotions for the organic cotton conference bags!), we analyzed each area of the event for its footprint and possibilities for efficiencies. Conference goers, including press, noticed the corrugated cardboard event signs, the local california fruits and nuts available to attendees, and the lack of any sodas or bottled beverages. We hope they were as pleased as we.
To view a video interview of yours truly with the Hyatt, click over to the webcast channel for the event. While you are there, enjoy all the sessions and keynotes and the green technology expo!
