CSR Spotlight on KCMPI's Professional Education Conference Committee

Print this article

By Michelle Lizak, CMP

Early in May, KCMPI hosted its annual Professional Education Conference at the Marriott Overland Park. This year's event had a slight different spin than years past - focusing on making this event as sustainable as possible.

Many of you know how difficult it is to put on a two-conference with breakout sessions, meals and a tradeshow. Add in that it was for a group of industry professionals and make it a "green event" and you have quite the undertaking!

So this month, the CSR Spotlight is shining bright on the Professional Education Conference committee and sponsors for their efforts to make this event more sustainable!

Online Registration - Registration and event reminders were done through the KCMPI Web site or by e-mail, rather than postcards, to reduce paper usage.

Water Bottles - To reduce the use of plastic bottles and unwarranted dish washing, CAM Inc. provided each attendee a reusable water bottle to use throughout the conference and refill at the water stations.

Speaker Handouts on Jump Drives - To reduce paper usage at the conference, KCMPI partnered with HJF Promotions to provide jump drives, preloaded with a majority of the speakers' take-home materials for attendees to reference as needed.

Recycling Bins for Paper - Throughout the conference area of the hotel attendees found recycling bins for paper products to place any unwanted paper materials.

Recycling Cans - The Marriott provided beverages in recyclable cans. After their use, the Marriott put them in recycling bins located in the back of the house.

Cloth or Recycled Napkins - Marriott reduced the amount of paper trash by providing cloth napkins for meals and using paper napkins made from recycled materials for breaks.

No Pre-filled Glasses - During the meals, the Marriott did not pre-fill any of the water or tea glasses at the tables. This helped to reduce waste water. 

Name Badge Holders - Attendees were asked to return their namebadge holders to the registration desk at the conclusion of the conference so that they could be recycled for a future event.  

The Overland Park Marriott is also inspiring the world through Green Meetings

• Office paper, plastic and glass is recycled

• Uses only post-consumer paper

• ENERGY STAR® certified property

• Green certified management staff

• Natural herb garden on-site

• Linen-less buffet tables

• Energy efficient indoor & outdoor lighting throughout the hotel

• Electronic paperless meeting room signage

• Guestroom & ballroom corridor corner guards are recycled

• Air filters changed regularly to reduce energy consumption

• Heating & cooling systems are turned down when not in use

• Outdoor water sprinklers are timed efficiently

• Starbucks uses recyclable cups from post-consumer paper

(Michelle is a Marketing and Corporate Events Manager for US Central and is KCMPI's 2009-2010 President. She can be reached at michelle.a.lizak@gmail.com).