I have already had three trips to Las Vegas this year. I am beginning to think I should just go ahead and move there. So many events in our industry are held there throughout the year—and, for good reason. It is a great place for a meeting. I was fortunate to be asked to moderate four green panel discussions at the Choice Hotels convention this past week. It was exciting to see such a large organization dedicate so much time to energy conservation and other green issues. In at least one of the sessions, it was clear that some franchisees are anxious for Choice to do more than it has been doing. I know that Choice is “all ears” when it comes to improvement suggestions.
I will be in Las Vegas again this week—May 14 to May 16—for the annual Hospitality Design Expo & Conference at the Sands Convention Center. I am really looking forward to this year’s event because it will include a “Green Day” for the first time. Green Day will feature three educational sessions with panels including our industry’s leading experts in green design and green hotel development. Environmental lifestyle expert Danny Seo will be the keynote speaker during the Green Luncheon. If you will not be attending Green Day, be sure to visit Green Lodging News for coverage of this May 14 event.
HD Expo is always the best place to pick up on the latest green trends in products such as fabrics, furniture, mattresses, wall coverings, lighting, art, floor coverings, fixtures, energy management systems and much more. Some of our industry’s leading suppliers have already hinted about some of the announcements they will be making. In addition to covering Green Day, I will also be reporting on these latest and greatest green innovations on my website and in the Green Lodging News newsletter.
Why Conferences are Important
Even though events like HD Expo have a huge environmental impact because of the associated air travel, they are important to our industry. Here are just a few reasons why.
1. Those in purchasing positions can learn about products that offer faster paths to energy conservation and waste reduction. Just one decision by a large chain—to purchase recyclable bedding, for example—can have a huge impact on the waste stream. In a similar vein, just one decision—to use more energy efficient lighting—can significantly enhance a company’s ability to run a more profitable operation.
2. Educational sessions provide an opportunity to not only learn about the latest innovations and trends, but to also interact with industry leaders who have the clout to push the sustainability conversation forward within their own organizations.
3. Networking opportunities promote the sharing of ideas and the synching up of talent. HD Expo is a perfect place for designers, architects and developers to meet one another. It is a green matchmaking event, if you will.
4. Events like Green Day and the increased presence of green products on the trade show floor help raise our industry’s overall awareness and expectation of what is green. Running a green hotel is no longer just about offering a towel and linen reuse program or installing compact fluorescent bulbs. It is about choosing green options every time anything is specified or purchased.
Have a great week, and if you are attending HD Expo, I will see you there.
More on Flat-Screen Televisions
Last week I wrote about flat-screen LCD and plasma televisions. Coincidentally, last week the LCD TV Assn. launched a GreenTV logo program to help tune in LCD TV manufacturers and brands to reducing the power consumption of LCD TVs. The construction, use and disposal of LCD TVs already consumes the least amount of energy of any television, but a smaller carbon footprint is possible with more recyclable parts and highest possible energy efficiencies. The association is urging its members to use fewer heavy metals and other improvements including ambient light sensors and smarter electronics in the production of the popular TVs. Click here for more details.
GLN Adds Swisssol USA, The Refinishing Touch as Advertising Partners
Green Lodging News welcomes Swisssol USA Creative Body Care and The Refinishing Touch as advertising partners. Swisssol USA Creative Body Care is the maker of the Press + Wash dispensing system. The system, which can dispense liquid soap, body lotion, shampoo and bath/shower gel, helps the environment by eliminating individual bottle waste. Press + Wash can reduce costs by up to 35 percent a year. Press + Wash is a long lasting and tamper-proof system. It is drip free and will not leak. Press + Wash is available in different designs and fragrances. The Press + Wash bottle is 100 percent biodegradable. For more information, call (321) 331-1348, e-mail Jackie@swisssol.com, or go to www.swisssol.com.
Founded in 1977, The Refinishing Touch is a leader in providing on-site environmentally safe, furniture re-finishing and re-upholstery to private and public organizations. It enables its 20,000 customers across the following markets—government, hotel, hospitality and academia—to save up to 80 percent of their budgets and maintain environmental sustainability. For more information, call (800) 523-9448, e-mail marketing@therefinishingtouch.com, or go to www.therefinishingtouch.com.
As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
