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green M&E 33
Conference
with a conscience
Client demand, ethical responsibilities and financial
imperatives are keeping green meetings on the
agenda, despite – or because of – the current
economic climate Martin Ferguson reports
n recent years, the term “green meeting” has reservation specialist Inntel. She believes a lot work still
I
cemented itself in the lexicon of modern business has to be done to create a united front, but believes the
jargon. Increasing corporate concern about climate industry is on the verge of a “major threshold”.
change has coincided with efforts by the business She says: “Over a number of years there’s been a slow
community to bring the money it spends on build of momentum towards the importance of green
meetings and events under control. Now, with corporate meetings. Corporates and agents have been talking
social responsibility also a permanent fixture on the about their requirements, and it seems hotels are only
agenda, the need for efficiency and control has never now finally getting the message. There’s been a lot of
been greater. Step forward the green meeting. talking the talk, but not enough walking the walk. But I
think we’re on the cusp of change.”
Time to walk the walk
The concept is relatively simple: a meeting or event At the forefront
organised with sustainability and efficiency at its core. Mandy Torrens, president of the Meeting Professionals
Or so it would seem. The truth is suppliers, corporates International UK chapter, says the meetings industry
and travel management companies are still jostling to has been at the forefront of environmental
find common ground on the issue. All have made great responsibility. “As we are so closely aligned with travel
strides towards setting their own environmental and hospitality, our industry has been listening to its
agendas, but it’s unclear how far the industry has gone customers on this issue for some time and embracing
towards a cohesive approach to green M&E. greener business practice,” she says. “It is a trend
Amanda Stranak is director of events services at hotel that is not set to go away.” L50480
ttgbusiness.com a79 november 2008
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