The National Conference Center identified five trends for meeting planners to consider when booking a green venue for their meeting. The list, originally released in advance of Earth Day, is presented below.
1. The Grass Is Always Greener – When doing a site visit, take a look around. Is there a lot of outdoor space for attendees to take a walk, or a hike, or to sit quietly? Having a facility with outdoor space that is relaxing—even a space to meditate, is a natural way to encourage attendees to unwind.
2. Food For Thought – Studies have shown that eating high-protein foods and less sugar keeps up energy, brainpower and focus. Pick a venue that understands the value of healthy food and breaks.
3. Energy Savers – The most obvious way to see if a venue has sustainability as one of its mission statements is to look for energy-saving options. The National uses motion sensors in guest rooms to determine when rooms are unoccupied in order to maintain energy-saving heating and cooling. Also ask if the property utilizes an efficient energy management program to operate their Central Utility Plant.
4. Logistics – Paperless check-in, digital brochures and uploading handouts to a website are just a few ways a conference planning department can help keep the paper count down. Ask your venue how water is provided. Plastic bottles are out; ceramic coolers with reusable cups are in.
5. Get Involved – Working with the local community or “paying it forward” may be a great way to tie your green mission to our green mission. For an example of a sustainable CSR event, The National can help organize a river cleanup program near Potomac River or the creek flowing through the property.
With its reputation as an outstanding member of IACC, The National has hosted thousands of learning and training meetings and conferences over the years and has perfected the meeting experience. Under new management since 2014, The National is committed to sustainability for its guests and planners.
