CONCORD, N.H.—Following a very successful inaugural year, the New England Eco-Hospitality Expo will once again provide the venue to bring New England hospitality professionals together with experts in sustainability and companies providing eco-friendly products and services to encourage learning, discussion and leadership.
The event will be held on Tuesday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, N.H., just off Exit 15, I-93. The expo will open with keynote speaker, KD Payne, discussing “Social Marketing and Getting Your Green Message Out.” Dan Ruben, executive director of Boston Green Tourism, will lead an Eco-Café discussion after lunch on sustainability issues for hospitality. Attendees will also have the opportunity to choose from three tracks of sessions, during three separate timeslots during the day.
Nine Educational Sessions Planned
The session topics and speakers include:
• “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Basics for Hospitality,” Jim Grady, president, LighTec, Inc. and Tobias Marquette, partner, Sustainable Development & Energy Systems Group;
• “Marketing Your Greening Efforts,” Rauni Kew, marketing manager, Inn by the Sea;
• “Getting to Zero Waste—Source Reduction, Recycling and Composting,” Rian Bedard, co-founder, EcoMovement, Elaine Strunk, director of green, The Lenox, and Ray Gordon, New Hampshire Dept. of Environmental Services;
• “Case Studies in Advanced Energy Efficiency,” Jeff Hanulec, chief engineer, Westin Copley Place, Jim Solomon, owner, The Fireplace Restaurant, and Elijah Ercolino, certified energy manager, Nexamp;
• “Effective Ways to Reduce Hazardous Chemicals in Your Operation, Including Dealing with Bed Bugs!,” Arife Ozkan, IPM program manager, New Hampshire Dept. of Agriculture, Jeff Haines, Atlantic Pest Solutions, and Joy Onach, Toxic Use Reduction Institute, UMass Lowell;
• “Fostering a Values-based, Environmental Work Ethic,” Peter Cooke, organization and management consultant, Cooke Associates;
• “Green Power Options—Local Renewable Projects,” Jack Bingham, owner, Seacoast Energy Alternatives, Rachael Solem, general manager, Irving House and Harding House, and Chris Diego, Mountain View Grand;
• “How to Effectively Track Your Environmental Efforts,” Linda Darveau, Environmental Protection Agency, Jeff Hanulec, chief engineer, Westin Copley Place, and Wood Turner, executive director, Climate Counts; and
• “Green Weddings, Meetings and Events—Developing Your Supply Chain,” Dianna Dixon, Green But Not Granola, and Trish Taylor, executive chef, Grappone Conference Center.
The Eco-Café floor will feature a wide range of vendors providing education and information on a wide range of products and services for more environmentally-sensitive hospitality operations.
Grappone Conference Center’s executive chef, Trish Taylor, will prepare a continental breakfast and lunch featuring New England products. Cost for the event is $50. Those interested in attending can register here. For more information, contact Michelle Veasey at mveasey@nhlra.com.
