A soap dispenser, faucet, sink and hand dryer—all in one unit. A water based towel that has been proven to be twice as effective as hand sanitizers in removing viruses from hands. Electric vehicle charging stations. An electric powered passenger van. Food waste decomposition machines. Food packaging made from 100 percent biodegradable and compostable material. A mattress company with its own mattress take-back program.
These are just a few samples of products and programs from a long list of what I consider to be green suppliers that will be exhibiting at the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show (IHMRS). The 98th annual event is coming up very quickly—November 9 to 12 at the Javits Center in New York City.
I have attended almost every New York hotel show since 1989. The show has changed a lot since then. Those who have attended the show over the years know it once was a much larger event. That said, I believe the show is just as relevant as ever and this year I am more excited than ever about attending. For the first time, this year’s show will include a Hospitality Green section of the show floor and a slate of five green panel discussions that I will be moderating. (Click here for the article with the panel schedule and descriptions.) There will also be one other session with a green theme and a “Locally Sourced” pavilion on the show floor will be geared toward helping chefs and F&B directors with local and organic food procurement.
Hygiene Kit Assembly Project
I have written about Clean the World many times over the past few years. At IHMRS this year Clean the World will organize the assembly of 10,000 hygiene kits—as part of its ONE Project—that will be distributed to New York area agencies that help those in need. Assembly stations will be positioned around the show floor. Show attendees are welcome and encouraged to assist with the kit assembly. The kits include bars of recycled soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a washcloth and an inspirational message. Rock and Wrap It Up! will coordinate distribution of the kits.
Adjacent to IHMRS once again this year is Boutique Design New York (BDNY). Now in its fourth year, BDNY will feature many suppliers offering products with a strong sustainability story. BDNY has helped bring energy back to IHMRS and this year for the first time, BDNY’s producer, Hospitality Media Group, is also producing IHMRS.
If you are planning to attend these two shows this year, be sure to stop by to see the aforementioned green panel discussions. You may also catch me at the Hotel Association of New York City’s Sustainable Hospitality Committee booth (booth #2879). Be sure to watch for coverage of both IHMRS and BDNY in Green Lodging News.
Green Lodging News Adds Excel Dryer as Directory Partner
Green Lodging News welcomes Excel Dryer as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Excel Dryer’s XLERATOReco includes new “no heat” technology. XLERATOReco offers the same performance and reliability as the original patented technology XLERATOR—drying hands in less than 15 seconds while using one-third the energy of other high speed and trough-style hand dryers. XLERATOReco enables green lodging facilities to reduce costs, labor, maintenance and waste while also significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Call (888) 998-7704, e-mail sales@exceldryer.com, or go to www.exceldryer.com for more information.
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 now has 1,405 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 493 Facebook followers.
As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
