Spotlight on Sustainability
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As a matter of public interest and the emphasis that "Green" and "Sustainability" have on our industry, we have asked Scott McKye, an expert in the area of green event practices, to write articles about our industry and the ISO standards being developed through several international agencies. Although the information contained herein is for the use of our members and readers, the opinions expressed by the author are his own and do not necessarily represent those of SISO. |
Train the Trainer Inaugural Class of 2011This month the first-ever “Train the Trainer” program was conducted by GMIC (Green Meeting Industry Council), on the University of Maryland campus in Baltimore. Five faculty members instructed the 16 ‘trainer - trainees’ attending the 2-1/2 day course. Each trainer received a thorough orientation of ‘how’ to introduce the imminent ASTM/CIC Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows and Conferences Standards to the Event Industry at large. I played an active role in the development of these new standards, which are in the final stages of peer-review and edits by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). In many respects, fate handed me the unique position and opportunity to experience the ‘trainer-trainee’ course with a view from both sides of the socially responsible event management curriculum.
After seeing the culmination of three years of work on these sustainable event management standards, my time in Baltimore was rewarding yet filled with impending apprehension. Could this first-ever class of 2011 'Standards Bearers' take to the streets armed with the work from hundreds of volunteer stakeholders who toiled thousands of man-hours building these Event Standards? Based on firsthand experience, I am confident these Trainers can move their work forward in a manner which will make all those who contributed to them very proud. The mix between organizers and suppliers attending the class made for a well-balanced room and was in line with the way the standards are also positioned. It’s fair to surmise both organizer and supplier must contribute an equal amount if each shall achieve and consequently ascend to and through every level of sustainability in the field of event management. I’m betting you’re ready.
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About Scott McKye Scott McKye is president of KLEERTECH, a N.A. manufacturer of event products. He has more than 25 years experience in the tradeshow and meetings industry and is a member of:
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