Kimberly Lewis
Vice President of Conferences and Events
U.S. Green Building Council
Washington, D.C.
Describe your event.
We have hosted several small Boston business leader lunches in the city leading up to our annual Boston conference in November, Revolutionary Green: Innovations for Global Sustainability. We expect about 25,000 people and, of course, we will max out the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. We chose The Exchange Conference Center on the historic Fish Pier, a waterfront property, for a couple of small lunches for local business leaders and our staff. The site has natural daylight and great water views from floor-to-ceiling windows—amenities that always encourage productivity and high energy levels.
Why did you decide to host the conference in Boston?
We are always looking for innovation in our industry, and Boston is one of the best places in the country to do that. The city is a leader in the green building industry and has many Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified buildings. Thus, our theme for the conference: Revolutionary Green.
What do you think you attendees will enjoy the most?
It is very accessible. Trains and flights are uncomplicated and this is hugely important for us because we are always thinking about our carbon footprint.
Has anyone been particularly helpful?
In general, the city understands our operations needs for running a meeting. Tedd Saunders deserves a lot of credit for the green movement in Boston. He has been a pioneer in the greening of local hotels for a long time, and we always stay in Saunders Hotel Group properties.
What are some of the unique off-site venues you will use for the events?
Artists for Humanities in South End—a LEED-certified venue that was created out of an old fire station. American Institute of Architects has called it one of the top 10 sustainable buildings in the nation. We are doing a reception there for young movers and shakers in the industry, and we like the way it’s built; the outdoor patio doesn’t need air-conditioning, etc. We are also using Boston Children’s Museum and the new Institute of Contemporary Art on the south waterfront.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
I would love to change the meeting dates to the spring because Boston in springtime is wonderful. In November, our large group can’t use some venues because it’s a Northeastern climate.
