ACI Convention

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Minneapolis Convention Center Initiatives

The Minneapolis Convention Center is committed to assisting customers in achieving their sustainability goals for meetings and conventions. The following sustainability efforts have been established or are underway:

  • Recycles cardboard, cans, glass, plastic bottles, paper, wood, carpet, metal and yard waste.
  • The heating and cooling systems are monitored 24 hours a day to ensure event spaces are only conditioned when in use.
  • Lighting system is computer controlled and is adjusted to various levels based on occupancy.
  • Most escalators are powered only during event hours.
  • 95% of cleaning products are Green Seal certified.
  • Goal is to recycle 75% of all waste by the year 2015, by completely redesigning the way waste is handled in the building. The 2012 goal was 40%.
  • 300 new recycling bins were added to public areas.
  • High-speed roll-up doors were installed in the exhibition halls to reduce heating and cooling costs.
  • Solar panels were installed on the rooftop and are connected directly to the facilities internal electrical system, which produces renewable electricity equivalent to powering 85 homes.
  • In the process of retrofitting the lighting in exhibit halls to LEDs.
  • In the process of replacing 32 restrooms with low-flow toilets and faucets.
  • Equipment upgrades in the kitchen include water efficient dishwashers and spray nozzles.
  • Kelber Catering, the official caterer of the Minneapolis Convention Center, provides sustainable menu options and donates nearly 140 tons of food refuse to the Food for Hogs program.
  • For additional information on green initiatives at the Minneapolis Convention Center, please visit www.minneapolis.org/minneapolis-convention-center/event-planners/eco-focused.

 

Hilton Minneapolis Initiatives

The Hilton Minneapolis aims to operate in a fashion that leaves the softest environmental footprint as possible. Their goal is to reduce consumption and replace non-earth friendly items with sustainable ones through the following initiatives:

  • Food waste is donated to Second Harvest and is processed into hog feed for local farmers.
  • Leftover food is also often donated to local shelters or charity organizations.
  • Works with Heartland Food Network to purchase locally grown organic food.
  • Purchases paper that is 50% recycled.
  • Ink and toners are recycled to eliminate disposal of plastic cartridges to landfills.
  • Separate recycling containers for paper and cans/bottles are provided.
  • Recycles all cardboard products and uses a recycling packer to compress approximately 98 tons of cardboard annually.
  • Body heat sensitive thermostats and door switches have been installed in each guest room.
  • LED lighting has been installed in all public areas and meeting space.
  • All guest rooms are equipped with water conserving shower head and toilet fixtures.
  • Housekeeping washes bed linens every four days for extended stay guests unless requested otherwise.
  • Overused wash cloths and towels are turned into cleaning rags or donated to various local shelters.
  • Used shampoo, conditioner and lotion are donated to local shelters.
  • Used bar soap is collected and donated to the Global Soap Project.
  • Function space lights are turned off when the space is not in use.
  • For additional information on green initiatives at the Hilton Minneapolis, please visit http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/minnesota/hilton-minneapolis-MSPMHHH/about/index.html.

 

ACI Initiatives

It is ACI’s practice to reduce waste from convention meetings and events, and ACI has committed to the following initiatives:

  • In lieu of bottled water, ACI provides water stations in meeting rooms and in the exhibit area.
  • ACI requests that glassware be used during food and beverage events instead of paper products when possible.
  • Name badges returned to registration are recycled and reused during the next convention.
  • ACI uses reusable pocket signs for a portion of the convention signage.
  • ACI donates foam core signage and other materials to local organizations when possible.
  • ACI has reduced the number of paper flyers distributed in registration packets.
  • ACI uses digital signage to update attendees on last-minute program changes.
  • ACI encourages staff and attendees to recycle trash in the appropriate recycling receptacles provided by the venue.
  • ACI encourages staff to carpool when traveling together.
  • ACI recycles paper and aluminum cans at the ACI Headquarter office.
  • ACI staff has made a conscious effort to reduce the amount of printed e-mails and materials in the office.
  • ACI uses glass mugs instead of paper cups at the ACI Headquarter office.

 

How can you reduce, reuse, and recycle?

In an effort to promote a “greener” convention, ACI asks that each attendee consider the following:

  • Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at one of the water stations in the meeting rooms or the exhibit area;
  • Return used name badge holders to the ACI Registration Desk at the end of the convention;
  • E-mail committee meeting agendas and minutes to recipients;
  • Post your session handouts online for attendees to view;
  • Reduce the amount of paper used for meetings and sessions by double-siding your copies or sending the material electronically in advance; and
  • Bring your own bag to carry convention materials.