USA. For the past two years, the Convention Industry Council (CIC) has led an industry wide initiative in developing Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) Green Meeting Standards. Recently released for industry review, these standards are meant to answer the need in the meeting and event industry for a uniform measurement of environmental performance.
DMAI members are encouraged to review and comment on the proposed standards for destinations by posting comments online or by attending one of the scheduled City Discussion Groups. Feedback provided by 11 September will be reviewed and incorporated if appropriate prior to submission for accreditation. Hundreds of volunteers from the meetings industry, government, international organizations, and NGOs have dedicated time and energy to develop the standards, which will be specific, measurable, performance-based criteria, intended to be adopted internationally.
Nine individual topic areas comprise the entire standard and include: Accommodations, Audio Visual, Communication, Exhibits, Food and Beverage, On-site Office, Destinations, Meeting Venue, and Transportation. “These standards are an attempt to create a level playing field of what constitutes “green” for the industry. While the standards are voluntary, demand and use by planners and competition will drive adoption,” states Karen Kotowski, CMP, CAE, COO of the Convention Industry Council. “It is exciting to see these standards coming to life and the hard work of so many, nearing completion.
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