DOVER, DEL.—In ongoing efforts to promote green awareness, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino will host the first Mid-Atlantic Green Hospitality Conference on September 15 and 16, a first-of-its-kind opportunity to unite foodservice and lodging facilities, tourism agencies, “eco” product suppliers and consultants around the common cause of maintaining and promoting environmentally friendly lodging and foodservice practices.
The conference is the latest in Dover Downs Hotel & Casino’s conservation initiatives in connection with its “Green Hotel” designation—the first in Delaware—by Delaware Green Lodging, a joint initiative by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Assn. to promote pollution prevention practices in the tourism and hospital industry.
The packed conference schedule includes a reception and a farm-to-fork dinner showcasing and honoring regionally produced foods and beverages; information on developing and improving the marketability of eco-friendly properties; tips and advice from regional green initiatives; expert advice on new green financing opportunities; innovations in new construction; and highlights of resiliency and emergency planning for lodging facilities and tourist venues from throughout the region. The conference will open September 15—the Monday of Sea Level Rise Awareness Week at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover, Del., the State’s capital.
Multiple Educational Opportunities
There will be various green training programs, networking opportunities in the vendor exhibition area and a luncheon sourced from local ingredients during which a keynoter will provide the background for regional collaboration and for eco-revenue generation for all attending businesses. Attendees may choose from multiple educational forums designed for the lodging industry, foodservice operations and emergency preparedness.
HospitalityGreen, LLC, N.Y. will offer Green Lodger’s Training, which provides the necessary staff training requirement for TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Certification. HospitalityGreen will also offer Greening Food Services Annual Certificate training. The Green Meeting Industry Council will be offering Green Meetings 101 as part of their Continued Education Credits and to help hospitality properties understand what green-leaning meeting and conference planners are looking for when deciding on a host property.
Conference details, schedules, presenters and new conference information will be made available weekly. Conferees may register and receive a special discounted hotel rate by registering on the conference website at www.2014greentourismconference.com. To reach the Conference Coordinator, contact John Doerfler at jodoerfler@doverdowns.com or (302) 857-2102.
