EIC and OVG Unveil Ambitious Venue Sustainability Partnership
May 2, 2024
The Events Industry Council (EIC) has formed a strategic sustainability partnership with venue development, hospitality services and solutions provider Oak View Group (OVG) to certify its entire convention portfolio of more than 60 venues in cities like Chicago, Dallas and Miami.
OVG’s convention center portfolio will be certified in accordance with the EIC Sustainable Event Standards, a collection of eight specific standards that assess events and industry suppliers on a wide range of sustainability criteria that support environmental and social responsibility.
The partnership — the largest of its kind in scale, according to OVG officials — will allow the OVG convention center portfolio to deepen its commitment to sustainability and better support the green meeting and exhibition goals of its clients and partners.
“Oak View Group is excited about this partnership because it provides real resources and support to our convention centers,” said Greg O’Dell, OVG president of venue management. “These include opportunities to be recognized for their individual sustainability efforts and professional education to equip convention centers with sustainability support.”
To be certified under the Venue standard, the convention centers’ compliance with the EIC Sustainable Event Standards will be evaluated by EIC’s independent third-party auditing partner, Alliance for Audited Media, in the following areas:
- Organizational Management
- Marketing, Communication and Engagement
- Climate Action
- Water Management
- Materials and circularity
- Supply Chain Management
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Accessibility
- Social Impact
How it will work
Taking place in a phased approach, the EIC certification program will begin implementation at OVG-managed venues, including the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), Chicago’s McCormick Place, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas and the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. The process is already underway at the MBCC, with McCormick Place, which is already EIC-certified at the Bronze level, soon to follow, according to OVG officials.
This process will work in concert with the GOAL (Green Operations & Advanced Leadership) platform, a partnership between OVG, Fenway Sports Group, Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena and green building architect Jason F. McLennan designed to provide a comprehensive roadmap, tracking tools, case studies, collaborative workshops and best practices to help sports and entertainment venues operate more sustainably, according to EIC officials.
By supporting continuous data collection and analysis across the convention center portfolio, GOAL will play a key role in helping properties reach their sustainability objectives through best practice sharing, measurement tools and onsite consulting, according to OVG officials.
Why it matters
“Congratulations to the Events Industry Council and the Oak View Group,” said Richard Murphy, president of Alliance for Audited Media. “This partnership will accelerate innovation and growth for the entire industry. We applaud the Oak View Group management team for taking a leadership role on sustainable venues, embracing transparency and accountability supported by third-party validation.”
The partnership is also expected to spur more EIC initiatives throughout OVG event venues, including Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Sustainable Event Professional Certification (SEPC) training and other learning and development programs, according to EIC officials. Additionally, the partnership provides OVG with strategic recognition and thought leadership opportunities to collaborate with EIC on its CMP, CMP Fellows and sustainability programs.
“The partnership is grounded in our shared goals of promoting event industry excellence, advancing uniform standards of practice and setting the highest standards for professional and personal growth for those in our industry,” said Amy Calvert, president and CEO of EIC. “We are thrilled to work with Oak View Group to certify their convention centers to EIC’s Sustainable Events Standards. This work will benefit our industry and the countless event professionals we serve.”
Related: Women At The Helm: Amy Calvert, President & CEO, Events Industry Council
Have some trade show-related sustainability news to share? Reach out to lisa.savas@informa.com.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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