The 98th annual International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS) and the fourth annual Boutique Design New York (BDNY) were held this past week at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. I was happy to be part of an effort that resulted in a new Hospitality Green section of the IHMRS trade show floor, as well as five green panel discussions in the Hospitality Green area. A big thank you to ST Media Group International, manager of the show, for involving Green Lodging News, and to the Hospitality Association of New York City’s Sustainable Hospitality Committee for their assistance in planning the five panel discussions.
If you were unable to attend the show this year, I strongly encourage you to check out the lists of exhibitors who were there. Within those lists (see links above) you will find many companies offering products to help you reduce your property’s overall environmental impact through energy and water conservation and waste minimization.
It would be difficult to list all of the innovations I came across at this year’s show—there were 60 exhibitors alone in the Hospitality Green section. Companies exhibiting for the first time featured an electric passenger van; a laundry system that uses up to 70 percent less water, 50 percent less energy, and approximately 50 percent less detergent as compared to conventional systems; and foodservice packaging made from 100 percent compostable material. Returning exhibitors featured food waste decomposition machines; menu and binder covers; a pillow renovation machine; guestroom energy management systems; mattress recycling programs and mattress encasements; new lines of amenity dispensers and other amenity products; and eco-friendly cleaning products and programs.
If you are interested in learning more about any of the products or systems listed above, send me a note or give me a call and I will gladly connect you to the supplier(s).
Clean the World—5,000 Hygiene Kits Assembled
For the first time at IHMRS, Clean the World organized a hygiene kit assembly on the trade show floor with the goal of reaching 10,000 kits. Toward the end of the show, approximately 5,000 had been assembled. The kits, which include soap bars and other items such as toothbrushes and shampoo, were distributed by Rock and Wrap It Up! to agencies helping those in need in New York City. Items that did not end up bagged in kits were also donated.
One had to look harder to find evidence of “green” on the show floor at BDNY but there certainly were companies there with strong sustainability stories—in product categories such as floor coverings and linens. The IHMRS/BDNY “Best of Show” winner, which also took the “Green” award, came out of the BDNY side of the show.
IHMRS has been shrinking for a long time while BDNY has been experiencing an explosion of sorts. With Hospitality Green and other initiatives the organizers behind IHMRS have taken an important first step to strengthen the show. It is exciting to be part of that process. There is plenty more that needs to be done. Be sure to continue to follow Green Lodging News for IHMRS/BDNY show updates throughout the year.
Industry Pioneer Seeks Buyer/Developer for Concordia Eco-Resort
Stanley Selengut, owner of the Concordia Eco-Resort, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, contacted me this past week to let me know that he is seeking a buyer and developer for his Concordia Eco-Resort in St. John, Virgin Islands. The resort has 42 units, including 25 Eco-Tents with the remainder being studio apartments. The resort is set on 20 acres and borders a national park. The profitable enterprise includes additional acreage around the resort. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, contact Stanley at (561) 893-0885, or by e-mail at stansel@hamptons.com.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Planning Advertising for 2013/2014?
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots for 2013 and 2014. Many excellent spots are available on the website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. Many Green Supplier Spotlight dates are also available. Interested in receiving a 2013 or 2014 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (216) 848-1406, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. Media kits can also be accessed by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Social Networking Sites—Green Lodging News Tops 500 ‘Likes’
Green Lodging News now has 1,413 Twitter followers. Thank you to all of those who follow our tweets. In addition to following us on Twitter, be sure to bookmark the Green Lodging News Blog in your browser. More importantly, participate with your comments. Green Lodging News is also on Facebook. Be sure to “Like” us there. Green Lodging News now has 502 Facebook followers.
As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
