Incorporating volunteer events into conferences, conventions and congresses is not new. In fact, many organizations now incorporate green environmental volunteer events into their agenda at some point in the day just prior to the welcome reception. The time commitment usually last for a few hours and it’s an opportunity to give back to the community while spending time with colleagues and friends.
At MPI Meet Different 2009 in Atlanta, GA, attendees had the chance to volunteer at the Atlanta Community Food Bank – Product Rescue Center by sorting, inspecting and packing donated items so that they may be distributed later by partner agencies. These volunteer initiatives are usually green and/or “sustainable in nature, and seem to be on the rise.
However, most smaller business meetings and events haven’t yet begun to incorporate green environmental experiences into their program. In fact, probably fewer than 5% of all meetings, according to Julie Klein, director of environmental affairs for Rock Resorts, Vail, CO. “But many inquiries are coming in and have this as part of the dialog. Our most significant requests are coming in at Keystone and Grand Teton Lodge Company (CO),” Klein adds.
Although requests for volunteer programs as part of meetings and events are not yet consistent, this is an area that conference services managers may want to take a more proactive role with their meeting clients. This may be subtle by simply pointing out some of the sustainable initiatives embraced by the hotel and its employees directly and/or sharing examples of some community activities available for meeting attendees.
Five suggestions offered by Klein for groups who are participating in a meeting or event at a mountain resort destination include:
- Support a trail project.
- Maintenance work on a campground.
- Support a highway, stream or trail cleanup.
- Support a Habitat for Humanity green building project.
- Assist with a forest health project (e.g., abating noxius weeds or removing damaged trees).
In Klein’s experience, outdoor related volunteer projects offered attendees a unique opportunity to appreciate the destination.
It’s a truly unique opportunity to enjoy all the amenities of urban meeting locations while enhancing their overall experience by connecting and giving back to protecting the iconic natural settings surrounding the meeting venue. Such an experience refreshes and rejuvenates, and also provides a great team building opportunity,” Klein says.