OTTAWA, ONT.—The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has announced a new strategic partnership with The Innovolve Group Inc. and the new Green Meeting Guide. This partnership will enable meeting planners to work closely with the HAC Green Key Eco-Rating Program to ensure the Canadian Lodging industry continues to evolve as a leader in environmental stewardship.
The HAC Green Key Eco-Rating Program is a graduated rating system designed to recognize hotels, motels and resorts that are committed to improving their environmental performance. Based on the results of a comprehensive environmental audit, hoteliers are awarded a one to five Green Key rating. Currently more than 700 Canadian lodging properties participate in the Green Key Eco-Rating Program.
Scheduled for release in June 2008, Canada’s first Green Meeting Guide is being produced by The Innovolve Group. Offered in both print and electronic versions, the Green Meeting Guide presents green products, services and suppliers for the MCI market in six major cities. The Green Meeting Guide is designed to both educate and assist meeting and event planners in creating more sustainable events.
Extensive Distribution Planned
The Green Meeting Guide will be distributed through M&IT magazine, reaching more than 14,000 meeting planners across Canada. Dr. Anthony M. Watanabe, president and CEO of The Innovolve Group, is excited about the relationship.
“By partnering with 700 hotels (and growing) in the Green Key Eco-Rating program, the Green Meeting Guide will establish itself as a premier resource directory for green meetings in Canada,” Watanabe said.
“The numbers show that the greening of hotels across Canada is becoming more significant than ever and demonstrates why Canadian meeting planners should make Green Key hotels their preferred choice in accommodations,” said HAC President Tony Pollard.
Suppliers interested in appearing in the Green Meeting Guide will be required to perform the self-administered qualifying test for their category. Categories include: Accommodations, Audio/Visual & Communication, Catering/Food & Beverage, Decor & Trade Show Rentals, Event Logistics, Printing, Promotional Materials & Gifts, Transportation/Tours and Venues.
