Event Savvy
Going Green: So Last Year?
Published in May 2008 green events | hotels | Las Vegas | portable power and air | travel | Departments
The number-one trend listed by Benchmark Hospitality International in its recently released 2008 Top Ten Meetings Trends? It was “Green Meetings, Not So ‘Last Year!,’” according to the hospitality management company. But talk of going green abounds — could eco-fatigue be setting in already? Is it all hype or still hip? Event Solutions decided to find out. And in a survey posted on event-solutions.com, event pros said that Benchmark had it right — 64 percent of voters responded that going green will only grow in importance.
Another quarter of voters said it wasn’t as important as everyone seemed to think, while just 11 percent responded that going green was already passé.
“Today, companies within the pharmaceutical, medical and especially government sectors as well as many others request information on green policies up front in their RFPs,” Benchmark wrote in its report, compiled from observations from Benchmark properties. “This isn’t a polite tip of the hat to former Vice President Al Gore. They’re really interested and extending a strong preference to green-certified properties.”
Benchmark’s new prediction? “Go green…or go!”
It seems the www.event-solutions.com community couldn’t agree more.
Loving Las Vegas
Interest in Attending Conventions, Trade Shows, or Corporate Meetings in Las Vegas (Among Visitors Who Attended a Convention, Trade Show, or Corporate Meeting)
Nearly two thirds of Las Vegas convention visitors — 63 percent — said they were more interested in attending a convention specifically because it was being held in the Nevada destination, according to a study commissioned by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). That percentage marks a significant increase over the 48 percent who responded similarly in 2006.
“We have been saying for years that Las Vegas is the convention capital of the world, so it is great to hear that our convention delegates agree,” said Chris Meyer, vice president of convention sales for the LVCVA. www.lvcva.com
The Business of Travel
A recent report on domestic and international air, hotel and car rental rates released by American Express Business Travel confirms what many have already been experiencing: international prices aren’t getting any cheaper, although domestic rates remain stable.
“Companies can achieve savings in this environment through a well-managed, dynamic travel and entertainment program allowing the flexibility to adjust their travel policies in real-time,” advised Hervé Sedky of American Express Business Travel. www.americanexpress.com/businesstravel
8% - the amount the average international airfare paid increased
in 2007
1% - the amount the average domestic airfare paid decreased in 2007
$36 - the amount international average booked hotel rates increased
in 2007
$16 - the amount average domestic booked hotel rates increased
in 2007
4.4% - the amount overall domestic car rental rates increased in 2007
More Power to ’Em
Courtesy: Aggreko LLC
Aggreko LLC, a supplier of temporary power and temperature control solutions, provided large-scale power generation and temperature control for the 60th Shell Houston Open Golf Tournament, hosted by the Houston Golf Association at the Redstone Golf Club Tournament Course in Humble, Texas.
Powering an event of this magnitude required considerable equipment and manpower — including power generation that produced enough electricity to power 100,000 average homes, according to Aggreko.
In addition to powering all leader boards and scoreboards, Aggreko’s team provided power distribution and climate control infrastructure to more than 30 venues throughout the course.
“Powering a golf tournament means creating an atmosphere that is respectful to the participants and won’t distract from the play,” said Rick Strole, business development specialist for Aggreko Event Services. www.aggreko.com/northamerica
Gone Green
Courtesy: Furbish Company and Roofscapes Inc.
The Green Rush is sweeping the events industry. Check out these developments from around the country in the past month.
The largest green roof in the Baltimore area was expected to be completed in April. Located on two buildings atop the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel, the 32,000-square-foot green roof is slightly larger than the Baltimore Ravens’ football field. The roof offers storm water management, helping control erosion and runoff; protects the base roof materials against UV damage and minimizes expansion and contraction of the roof caused by temperature variations; and reduces the building’s heating and cooling demands. www.hilton.com
The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is offering a Scottsdale Green by Design Tool Kit. The guide covers how greening your business can boost your bottom line, how to determine which programs are the best fit for your company and the steps some local businesses have taken to help the environment, among other topics. www.scottsdalegreenbydesign.com
The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago partnered with Natura Water purification system as the company launched its product in the United States. Served in dishwasher-safe, reusable bottles, the water is an environmentally friendly alternative to the waste associated with conventional bottled water. www.hyatt.com