The Green Issues in the MICE Sector - Essay Example

?Sustainability within National Parks Table of Contents Part 3 Introduction 3 Literature Review and Overview of Current Thinking on ‘Green’ IssuesIn Relation to MICE Sector 3 Conclusion 7 Part 2: 9 Introduction 9 Recommendations for Venue/S, Catering, Services/Suppliers 9 Recommendations for Keynote and Supporting Speakers, Conference Format and Timetable, Including Ideas of Themes for Each Session 10 A Well-Considered Luncheon Menu 11 Starters 11 The Full Option That Will Be Served To the Visitors 11 Cold Sandwich Lunch for Dieters 11 Case Histories/Best Practice Which May Include Site Visits/Demonstrations 12 A Social Event for the Evening for Those Who Wish To Remain After the Formal Close 12 Recommendations for Local Accommodation (At Attendees’ Own Expense) 13 Suggestions for Marketing the Conference to the Intended Audience 13 Outline of the Budget for the Day with Recommendation on Cost of Attendance for 250 Audiences 14 Suggestions for Use of IT throughout the Entire Process 15 Examples of How Else the Conference Can be Made ‘Green’ 15 Conclusion 17 References 18 Appendix 21 Part 1: Introduction Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) is considered to be a kind of tourism in which big group are brought together for a common purpose. In relation to the shifts in the industry trends, the overall events management industry is striving towards creating all round diversity in the meeting and events profession. This particular industry largely values the scope of diversifying the events management along with tourism industry in a well defined manner (Marvell, 2006). In this respect, a professional proposal document enumerating current thinking on ‘green’ issues in relation to the MICE sector will be analysed upon. In this regard, the aforesaid document will help in establishing a clear cut idea pertaining to the credibility as a conference organizer. All of these aspects will be discussed in the form of a literature review in order to derive an in-depth knowledge about the subject matter. Literature Review and Overview of Current Thinking on ‘Green’ Issues In Relation to MICE Sector As a conference organizer, the primary stress is needed to be laid upon the aspects associated with the depiction of a clear and precise plan concerning current thinking on ‘green’ issues. Creation of travel incentives long with additional options is considered to be very important nowadays. Additionally, options representing greenness are becoming a modern trend in the contemporary tourism industry. This facet is proving to create a great deal of appeal to all those travellers who are environment conscious. Moreover, this facet is proving to provide a considerable extent of support along with growth to this particular industry. This concept is said to gain all round importance in South Africa as their MICE industry tries to deal with a slow increase in business tourism. This slow and steady developmental phase is responsible for creating all round importance about the concept of green to a very large extent. Similar to this subject, Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand provided reports that signify the importance of green by a considerable extent. The reports suggested that with the induction of green it will lead to growth in knowledge which includes basic science along with technological dimensions. All these aspects can very well provide corresponding results that can lead to the development of a sustainable economy. Other broad significances of this initiative can lead to shrinking of waste materials, pollution along with overuse of different types of scarce resources. If all of these aspects are fulfilled then it will lead to even greater amount of benefits. It will eventually lead to smart business processes, good education along with efficient work in diversified fields. Thinking green will ensure proper control over economic aspects as well which can result in bringing a lot of cohesion as well while trading with different countries located around the world. Thus, the ‘green’ issues can be considered to be very important. Additionally, in order to induce green issues, proper meetings, exhibitions and conferences are held whereby different entities discuss the benefits of thinking green and also fix incentives for different organizations along with countries who think green. Consequently, it can be affirmed that green issues in MICE sector have gained a significant extent of leverage owing to the emerging consciousness of the people about maintaining environmental sustainability (Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, 2013). In a similar note, one of the leading business magazines i.e. The Event (2011) has provided certain notes. It highlighted that in order to fix green issues there are certain aspects which determine the broader constituents of thinking green. Correspondingly, Green Meetings are held in which a Green Meeting Award is offered yearly by way of partnering with the Green Meeting Industry Council. This award is considered to be very important as it sets strict standards which judge the applicant’s skills along with abilities to reveal inventive efforts in order to minimise the various environmental impacts of a conference or a meeting. This measure is also played by senior business experts whose skills and abilities are judged by way of examination of a range of success measures. While deliberating the green issues, it includes discussions pertaining to air and water quality, energy efficiency, conservation of water, waste minimization along with other environmental issues. In such types of meetings, judges play a very crucial role whereby they are found to ask applicants different questions in relation to their economic and other initiative approaches. All of the questions are asked to determine the roles that can be played by the applications concerning the fulfilment of the green aspects. Questions are also asked in order to identify the level up to which the applicants can make their efforts efficient which directly or indirectly benefit the green issues. It is also felt that inclusion of questions in meetings can lead to the development of commitment of the applicants within the local community and also in an international context (The Event, 2011). Green thinking as mentioned in the above sections is accompanied by awards and recognitions. In this similar note, Penn Current, Office of University of Pennsylvania (2013) provided certain facts in order to back this statement. It has been learnt that the Penn Green Campus Partnership has proudly awarded five Green Fund grants to numerous projects. All of the awards have been distributed for an array of successful projects comprising water conservation projects to broad recycling centres. Considering this aspect, it can be stated that entities think a lot about the ‘green’ issues in relation to the MICE sector. In addition, it has also been ascertained that certain funds were designed in order to support the green issues. A specific type of fund namely the Green Fund was planned to seed efficient along with innovative ideas that were generated by faculty, staff and the Penn students. People with innovative ideas were granted with US$50,000 in order to boost their performances and most importantly to persuade the aspect of green thinking (Penn Current, Office of University of Pennsylvania, 2013). In relation certain notes provided by Rawcliffe (1998), it has been observed that the aspects of green issues are needed to be delivered the prime importance. This is owing to the notion that the fulfilment of the green facets can make a society and the overall world a much better place to live in. Moreover, it has also been felt that thinking green can facilitate in reducing the political gaps within various countries and may also provide a great helping hand towards the fulfilment of the economic along with social goals. In this similar respect, it has also been learnt that thinking green can help in improving the social demographics of a society to a very large extent. Correspondingly, there are various types of programmes that are introduced in order to support the green initiatives among the different nations. In addition, the report laid its broader stress on the fact that thinking green can lead to leading a better life in better homes and better places. It has also been observed that if green issues are needed to be followed then the aspect of MICE is also required to be considered. The reports suggested that in order to think in a green way, collaborations pertaining to building sustainable communities are needed to be delivered the prime importance. For this purpose, an organisation or even a country may need to follow broad concepts associated with the green thinking such as Green liberalism, Green social democracy, Green Alliance and Green roots programs among others. All of these aspects directly support green issues and are introduced for the purpose of making the green issues initiative successful. Thus, the reports provided by Rawcliffe (1998), provided great aid in determining the importance of green issues in the modern day context and helped in gaining a lot of clarity about this particular concept (Rawcliffe, 1998). Conclusion From the overall analysis, it has been determined that the green issues are considered to be as one of the most influential and developmental aspects that support the sustainability and progress of a country. The paper also provided a clear cut idea pertaining to the aspects associated with the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) which is measured to be a sort of tourism in which large sized groups are brought together for a common purpose. Most of the MICE initiatives are backed up with green issues whereby people belonging from diverse fields meet together in order to discuss about the broad aspects concerning green thinking. In a similar note, it has also been recognised that the green issues are discussed by many entities around the world i.e. Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, The Event, The Green Alliance Trust, Penn Current, Office of University of Pennsylvania have been found to consider the aspects of green thinking to a very large extent. It has also been observed that there are various types of programmes that are introduced in order to support the green initiatives among the different nations. While undergoing the process of discussing the green issues, it has been realised that different aspects pertaining to air and water quality, energy efficiency, conservation of water, waste minimization along with other environmental issues are taken into consideration for ensuring that they are addressed by a considerable extent. Part 2: Introduction In general terms, sustainability is considered to be the ability to endure. In terms of business, the word explains the processes through which business processes stay productive and diverse over a long period of time. For human beings, sustainability is measured to be the potential for maintenance of wellbeing, which comprises political, economic, ecological and cultural dimensions. In relation to sustainability within national parks, it lays broad importance in the overall context of development (Pugh, 1996). In this similar context, South Downs National Park which is located in England has been chosen to determine the influence of sustainability within national parks by organising a conference (South Downs National Park Authority, 2011). For this purpose, a special conference will be held which will comprise valuable aspects of corporate social responsibility backed with the aspects of ‘green’. The conference will be intended to attract approximately 250 people for which special preparations and arrangements are going to be made for holding it successfully. Recommendations for Venue/S, Catering, Services/Suppliers With the intent of ensuring sustainable conference environment, a special venue i.e. Radisson Blu Edwardian which is located in Manchester, England has been chosen. As a conference manager, it is of primary importance to choose a location that can very well equip the visitors. The catering services will comprise a fine dining restaurant with stylish oak panelled bars along with grand banqueting suites that will add to the charm while dining. The services that will be offered can very well make all 250 of the visitors contended. It will include private dining facilities, allow skyline views along with complimentary Wi-Fi connection and Ascot’s restaurant cum bar that will serve seasonal and mouth watering British cooking. All of these services will be supplied by the staff of the particular hotel (Strachan, 2012). Recommendations for Keynote and Supporting Speakers, Conference Format and Timetable, Including Ideas of Themes for Each Session The overall conference format is stated as under: Keynote Presentations: These include lectures that are given by the prominent and knowledgeable professors having expertise in the field sustainability knowledge. The keynote speakers will also share deep insights relating to ‘green’ aspects, and will summarise their individual contributions into the field of ‘Sustainability within National Parks’ with a special focus on the South Downs National Park. This will lead to showcasing of their expertise and will also allow them to respond to questions that will come out from the part of the audiences (European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction, 2013). Timing: The keynote presentations regarding ‘Sustainability within National Parks’ will last for around 90 minutes on an average. The keynote speaker along with supporting speakers will be introduced by a chairperson in a brief manner. After completion of the keynote presentation, the floor will be open for all of the 250 audiences to ask questions (European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction, 2013). In each of the sessions, the main idea will represent all the major aspects associated with ‘Sustainability within National Parks’. Additionally, the main theme will also include appropriate discussions pertaining to South Downs National Park with a strong emphasis on its corporate social responsibility and ‘green’ aspects (European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction, 2013). A Well-Considered Luncheon Menu Starters Starters will include: Celeriac/Pear soup combined with vegetable crisps, pork and duck terrine, cranberries, pistachios flavoured with homemade toasted brioche and chutney All of these recipes will be served with fresh fruit juices mixed with selective and consumable spirits (Rudding Park Hotel, 2012) The Full Option That Will Be Served To the Visitors Dried streaky bacon combined with grilled market sausage with slow cooked/slow roast tomatoes. grilled/smoked egg, fried portobello mushroom along with hash browns Thick cut Granary and White Toast along with Farmhouse Butter (Jesus College Cambridge Conferences & Events, 2010) Cold Sandwich Lunch for Dieters Chef’s assortment of Meat combined with Fish and Vegetable Sandwiches which will be served on different flavours of bread. The cold sandwich lunches will be served in combination with vegetable crisps flavoured with homemade cottage cheese. It will also include homemade fudge along with coffee/tea (Jesus College Cambridge Conferences & Events, 2010). Case Histories/Best Practice Which May Include Site Visits/Demonstrations In the context of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), there lays broad importance in relation to choosing a particular site for holding conferences. In this similar context, the Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel has been chosen for certain specific reasons. Case histories of the hotel prove this hotel to be one of the most prospective locations for holding meetings and conferences. Numerous conferences and meetings have been held in this particular hotel. This venue has been specially chosen because of its quality services and other attractive features that make this place the perfect location. In relation to the best practices in this location, it has been observed that in Radisson Blu Edwardian, the main priority is delivered to the aspect of creation of consistency in the services which are offered. It has also been learnt that the hotel strives to constantly progress the commitment level and responsibility towards the business along the ensuring green practices. The hotel has undertaken various initiatives towards the fulfilment of the sustainability factors such as energy, waste, rooms along with facilities, corporate social responsibilities and food and beverages among others (Strachan, 2012). A Social Event for the Evening for Those Who Wish To Remain After the Formal Close After a formal close of the event, a special social event can prove to be very entertaining to the conference visitors. In relation to this context, an event comprising continental dinner followed by a gala event can only add to the charm. This activity will help in providing amusement to the visitors and will also allow them to have a soothing experience. Recommendations for Local Accommodation (At Attendees’ Own Expense) It is certain that there are outstation audiences who will attend the conference. For this reason, accommodations are needed to be provided to them so that they can have a peaceful stay. Considering this aspect, lodging facilities which are located nearby the conference venue can serve the basic purpose. Therefore, The Midland Hotel located in Manchester has been chosen as the local accommodation. It will allow them to have a pleasant stay post conference (QHotels, 2013). Suggestions for Marketing the Conference to the Intended Audience In relation to marketing of the particular event to the audiences, there are few crucial factors that are needed to be kept in mind. Due importance is needed to be given towards spreading special awareness regarding the event i.e. ‘Sustainability within National Parks’ with special reference to the South Downs National Park. In order to spread public awareness, the best thing to do is to take the help of different media of communication as it can create the maximum of impact. In this respect, application of social media would prove to be very beneficial to attract the audiences. It will lead to sharing of the ideal message in a socialised manner. For instance, if this particular advertisement strategy is followed by way of social networking sites then it will create all round positive impacts. This particular marketing strategy can prove to provide the most effective results as there will be high chances for the event to get popular by way of references from other audiences as well. Thus, this stance will definitely follow a proper chain which will result in mass awareness of the event (Poynter, 2010). Outline of the Budget for the Day with Recommendation on Cost of Attendance for 250 Audiences Conference Budget (In USD) EXPENSES Estimated Meeting Coordinator 1500.00 Supplies (paper, ink cartridges, etc) 250.00 Awards & Ribbons 950.00 Bags 1500.00 Nametags Holders 500.00 Pens 500.00 Brochures 300.00 Packages to hotel 2500.00 Miscellaneous 500.00 Food/Beverage 5000.00 Lunch ($ per person) 6000.00 Evening Event Total Amount 2500.00 Internet & Power Charges 500.00 TOTAL EXPENSES USD 22,500.00 Thus, the detailed conference budget has been shown in the above represented table. It is anticipated that around USD 22,500 would be required as conference budget to render successful conference including all the mentioned aspects related to food, facility and entertainment. Suggestions for Use of IT throughout the Entire Process In order to make the conference process interesting, it is recommendable to utilise certain aspects of Information Technology (IT) throughout the entire process. As explained in the earlier section, the venue will be equipped with all round Wi-Fi facilities making the audiences easily accessible with the internet. With proper access to the internet, the audiences will be benefitted to a very large extent. It will allow them to pose numerous questions based on the aspects of ‘Sustainability within National Parks’. Moreover, it has been suggested to utilise IT throughout the process because it will lead to digitisation of the process which enable to fulfil the objectives of the conference in a diversified manner. Furthermore, inclusion of the projectors to support online lectures regarding ‘Sustainability within National Parks’ and ‘green’ aspects will lead to sharing of positive messages throughout the overall conference process in an efficient manner (Cennamo, 2012). Examples of How Else the Conference Can be Made ‘Green’ In order to make the conference ‘green’, there are few examples that can prove to provide greater amount of advantages in the conference: 1) Food: By way of planning sustainable meals at the particular event, and by way of offering additional beverages. If the law of United Kingdom allows then donating the leftovers to the needy could be a noble initiative. 2) Investment: By way of investing in different signs representing green and by following the recycling process. 3) Using Residue Materials after Conference: If the staffs of the event are able to gather plastic badges and bags at the end of the meeting then it can be put to use the next time. This aspect will give birth to the recycling process and will lead to greenness as well. 4) By Way Of Providing Effective Transportation System: Through the usage of bio diesel among other ways a sustainable green initiative can be maintained. It will lead to saving of transportation costs and at the same time it will enable to uphold greenness in the environment. 5) Electronic Broadcasting: By way of broadcasting electronic versions of the program handouts, instead of distributing them in a book. This will lead to saving a lot of additional costs that are involved in printing. 6) Providing Reusable Bottles: By way of providing the attendees reusable bottles of water by avoiding bottled water at the conference breaks. 7) Ensuring Proper Coordination: Making coordination with all those event organizers who are going to organize other events before or after this particular conference. The strategy would prove to provide great aid in minimising the needs for food and beverage, signage and carpet among other (The Center for Association Growth, 2013). Thus, all these measures, if skilfully applied will lead to making the conference ‘green’ in every respect. Moreover, it will also lead to the determination of the broader aspects of ‘Sustainability within National Parks’ in a very efficient manner. All of the above mentioned aspects pose high amount of importance in the overall context of sustainability and following similar approaches would definitely lead to building a ‘greener’ society. Conclusion From the overall analysis, it has been determined that the dimension of sustainability within national parks lays a high amount of importance in the overall context of development. In this regard, a conference has been planned organise entailing around 250 visitors which will emphasize the concerned with special reference to South Downs National Park. The conference will project the value of corporate social responsibility along with the aspect of ‘green’ for the stability of national parks in a nation. In relation to fulfilment of the basic objectives i.e. designing of the conference and specific recommendation in relation to successful completion of the event has been made. Throughout the process, it has been determined that Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel will be contacted with for staging the conference wherein a number of required facilities are available along with the presence of green initiatives on behalf of the hotel. A varied kind of menu of food along facility for post conference relaxation and entrainment have been selected that will facilitate to draw audiences from throughout the world. References Cennamo, K., 2012. Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. Cengage Learning. European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction, 2013. Conference formats. About. [Online] Available at: http://www.earli2013.org/programme/conference-formats/ [Accessed November 28, 2013]. Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, 2013. Economic Policy Summary – Thinking Beyond Tomorrow. Home. [Online] Available at: https://www.greens.org.nz/policysummary/economic-policy-summary-thinking-beyond-tomorrow [Accessed November 28, 2013]. Marvell, A., 2006. GCE AS Travel and Tourism Double Award for Edexcel. Heinemann. Pugh, C., 1996. Sustainability, the Environment and Urbanization. Earthscan. Penn Current, Office of University of Pennsylvania., 2013. Home. Green Thinking. [Online] Available at: http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/current/2012-06-07/news-brief/green-thinking [Accessed November 28, 2013]. Poynter, R., 2010. The Handbook of Online and Social Media Research: Tools and Techniques for Market Researchers. John Wiley & Sons. QHotels, 2013. The Midland, Manchester. Our Locations. [Online] Available at: http://www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/the-midland-manchester/ [Accessed November 28, 2013]. Rudding Park Hotel, 2012. Conference Dinner Menu. Starters. [Online] Available at: http://ruddingpark.co.uk/media/16969/meetings_-_dinner_menu.pdf [Accessed November 28, 2013]. Rawcliffe, P., 1998. Environmental Pressure Groups in Transition. Manchester University Press. Strachan, D., 2012. Frommer's London 2013. John Wiley & Sons. South Downs National Park Authority, 2011. Text Only. Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.southdowns.gov.uk/ [Accessed November 28, 2013]. The Event, 2011. Sustainability Takes Center Stage at IMEX Frankfurt 2013. May 2013. [Online] Available at: http://eventgreening.co.za/2013/05/ [Accessed November 28, 2013]. The Center for Association Growth, 2013. Top Ten Tips To Make Your Meeting "Green". Home. [Online] Available at: http://www.tcag.com/connect/consider-this/conference-management/top-ten-tips-to-make-your-meeting-green [Accessed November 28, 2013]. Appendix A View of Seven Sisters Cliffs Located Nearby South Downs National Park (South Downs National Park Authority, 2011) View of the South Downs from Devil's Dyke (South Downs National Park Authority, 2011) Read More