CHICAGO—It might be too early for packing bags, but meeting professionals should start making plans now for the Professional Convention Management Assn.’s (PCMA) 2008 Annual Meeting, to be held Jan. 13-16, 2008 in Seattle. PCMA is announcing high-impact General Session speakers, as well as a return to a full Wednesday schedule—which this year includes a general session on Wednesday afternoon and a special closing event on Wednesday evening. “Creating Possibilities” is the theme of this year’s popular education and networking event. “We’re thrilled with the possibilities for inspiring and thought-provoking experiences at our 2008 Annual Meeting,” says Deborah Sexton, PCMA...

TORONTO—In the recently released J.D. Power & Associates North American Syndicated Study on Hospitality, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and its award-winning Green Partnership program led the way for the luxury hotel category with a consumer awareness level of 83 percent for Environmentally Friendly hotel brands. Amongst all North American hotel companies, Fairmont placed second overall, closely behind sister brand Delta Hotels which received an 84 percent ranking. Within the report, Fairmont was singled out for its green policies and acknowledged for its acclaimed Green Partnership Guide, a comprehensive how-to text which it shares with other hotels looking to strengthen...

SAINT LOUIS, MO.—Seeking to provide support and guidance regarding environmental responsibility, the board of directors of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) has commissioned a Green Task Force to help educate and inspire IACC-member conference centers to conserve natural resources while recognizing the current successes at individual member properties. This is consistent with the association’s commitment to providing an exceptional meeting experience at every level. “The task force was created to educate and guide conference centers toward eco-friendly, business-smart practices,” says Neil Pompan, president of IACC-North America (and COO of EMCVenues). “The Green Task Force will begin to develop...

OAKLAND, CALIF.—A new global survey by Lonely Planet reveals that travelers are keen to make significant changes to their behavior to travel sustainably. Lonely Planet’s annual Travelers’ Pulse survey, which polled over 24,500 people worldwide, showed 84 percent of respondents said they would consider offsetting their emissions in the future, whereas only 31 percent had done so in the past. One of the strongest changes for the future was in volunteering. A huge 79 percent of respondents said they would or might volunteer overseas in the future, with only 25 percent having done so in the past. Seventy percent of...

MCLEAN, VA.—Showcasing an enhanced agenda this year, the 18th annual Affordable Meetings National show, Sept. 5-6 at the Washington Convention Center, will offer meeting and event planners two general sessions, 28 educational seminars—11 new to the line-up including sessions on green meetings and new industry technologies—two networking luncheons and a welcome reception, all designed to present attendees with the skills and techniques that are essential in the industry. With a variety of educational opportunities, meeting planners at all levels of experience can choose from 28 workshops and seminars that will focus on “need to know” industry topics. This free comprehensive...

KEY WEST, FLA.—The Banyan Resort and the Gardens Hotel last week became the Florida Keys’ first certified members of the Green Lodging Program, created by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to recognize and reward environmentally conscious lodging facilities in the state. The two Old Town Key West properties were awarded “one palm” certification for their environmental commitment in ceremonies attended by State Representative Ron Saunders, Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson, Stacey Mitchell, director of sales for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Laura Comer and Gus Rios of the DEP. “These businesses are stepping up to recognize...

SAN FRANCISCO—W Hotels Worldwide is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Pace as general manager of W San Francisco. Pace replaces Toni Knorr, the longtime W general manager who recently took over the general manager duties at the St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco. Pace joins W San Francisco from Kimpton Hotels, where he successfully led various San Francisco hotels as general manager since 1998. His most recent position was that of general manager for the 236-room Hotel Serrano in San Francisco. Known for his passionate commitment to guest services, Pace has also established himself as a vocal advocate...

NEEDHAM, MASS.—TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, announced the results of its smoking survey of more than 1,400 travelers worldwide, revealing that nearly 90 percent of respondents believe hotels and restaurants need to be clearer about whether they are smoking or nonsmoking establishments, and where smoking is permitted and prohibited. Eighty-six percent of travelers surveyed were nonsmokers. While only 14 percent identified themselves as smokers, 23 percent admitted to “social smoking.” Twenty-two percent of travelers said that visiting a city or country where smoking is prohibited is “always” a consideration, while 34 percent said it is “sometimes” a consideration. Whether...

BROOMFIELD, COLO.—Through its partnership with The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., Quintess, LRW has joined the company’s recently launched Leading Green Initiative, a program enabling and encouraging guests to make conscious decisions about greener travel by actively supporting Sustainable Travel International (STI), a nonprofit organization that emphasizes responsible tourism. The Leading Green Initiative is a carbon neutral program whereby Quintess, LRW will directly absorb the cost to offset members’ energy consumption in each of the Club’s more than 60 properties worldwide. Through this, Quintess, LRW will contribute funds to renewable energy programs that will prevent an equal amount of...

BANGKOK, THAILAND—The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is challenging influential and passionate travel industry leaders to agree and sign on to a truly cross-sectoral industry response to climate change, one of the greatest global threats to travel and tourism. Hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and organized in partnership with the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) and the Burba Hotel Network (BHN), PATA’s CEO Challenge 2008: Confronting Climate Change will take place in Bangkok on April 29-30, 2008. PATA President and CEO Peter de Jong said that the ambitious goal for the CEO Challenge is to create a...