Take some inspiration from the green team and take up the eco-friendly challenge. By Sandra Eagle, Nov/Dec 2007

Green meetings is a concept that’s here to stay. Whether or not you have even thought of planning a green meeting, have tentatively researched the subject or have plunged headlong into attempting a full-scale green event, it is an issue that continues to grow and gather momentum.

As with all new concepts, there are certainly the standard-bearers that have led the way. We tried to get a good cross-section of our industry in one room in October to talk about the status of green in Canada, and two-plus hours later, we were still going strong. The feature article (starting on page 24) represents only a fraction of the conversation. You will be able to view the full transcript (or download it in MP3 format) from our website, www.meetingscanada.com.

When it comes to being eco-friendly, our panelists lead by example. Sandra Wood, CMP, with the Canadian Medical Association, has already planned her first green meeting and has been passionate about this topic for a long time. Anthony Watanabe, president and CEO, Innovolve Group Inc., leads a sustainability consultancy with two divisions – one specializing in green meetings, the other in commercializing sustainable products and services. Melanie Coates, regional director of public relations, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, chairs the Royal York Hotel’s environmental committee. Laura Purdy, with the Direct Energy Centre, champions her venue’s green accomplishments whenever she can. Shawna McKinley was the former executive director of the Green Meetings Industry Council, and is now a project manager with Meeting Strategies Worldwide.

Our panel brought their expertise, their passion and their concern for the environment to the table, and it shows. Throughout the discussion, it became apparent that small steps and collaborative thinking is the best way to start. We’ve also listed some web resources to get you engaged. At M&IT, we’re going to walk the walk and are beginning the planning stages of our green journey with IncentiveWorks 2008. One of the wonderful things about this industry is the willingness to learn and share with one another.

Another avenue to explore is the Greening the Hospitality Industry Conference, to be held in Vancouver February 19 – 21, 2008. Here’s a chance to network and learn from industry leaders who are shaping the future of green-meeting planning. Educational tracks will teach beginner and advanced topics.

Please keep me posted about what you are doing in the green scheme of things. This is a chance for us all to make a difference.