When it comes to protecting our environment, there are a number of ways that we can help do our part. The Virginia Beach CVB offers the top 10 to consider when planning your next sustainable meeting.
1. Choose a sustainable venue like the Virginia Beach Convention Center, which is anticipated to be LEED certified in the near future. The facility also is a “Virginia Green” certified & Energy Star Partner that recycles, composts and donates food, incorporates its own vegetables, locally grown and organic food into its menus.
2. Take advantage of the Virginia Beach CVB’s Social Responsibility program and volunteer your time to the multitude of charities hosted by the United Way of South Hampton Roads.
3. Recommend local hotels, restaurants and off-site venues like The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Contemporary Art Center of Virginia, that participate in the “Virginia Green” program to your attendees. Virginia Green is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s campaign to promote environmentally-friendly practices in all aspects of the Virginia tourism and hospitality industry.
4. Encourage attendees to car pool to meetings, conferences and conventions since Virginia Beach is a drive meeting destination in a lot of cases.
5. Conserve paper by posting event materials to your Web site or distributing on flash drives.
6. Purchase name badges that are reusable and collect them at the end of the meeting for use at the next one.
7. Avoid dating promotional items and reuse overages at future meetings.
8. Provide water stations for attendees or encourage the group to provide reusable water bottles.
9. Encourage attendees to enjoy environmentally-friendly activities including walks on the beach or visiting nearby state and national parks.
10. Encourage exhibitors to bring a realistic amount of promotional materials. Have them recycle unused portions rather than dispose of them.