2013 Green MICE Compliance Demonstrated at Large Conferences
In the pursuit of eco-sustainability, the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) presented the Green MICE Guidelines as part of Taiwan’s MICE Promotion Program (MEET TAIWAN), implemented through the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) to promote and guide Green MICE efforts nationwide. MICE organizers can follow the Guidelines, which cover various aspects of a Green MICE (transportation, food, accommodations, interior decoration and promotional materials) and target energy efficient measures even at the preparation stages. In 2013, the APCAT-6, ACIIA Conference and APCAACI were among the first Taiwan-hosted large scale conferences to comply with the Guidelines, with their attendees contributing to environmental protection using creative and user friendly methods recommended by the organizers.
Choosing ‘green’ venues as the first step in cutting carbon emissions
A green MICE venue is inherently equipped with eco-friendly, emission-reducing tips (updates on public transit options, a LCD-enabled public address system, minimum decorations, waste and Participant ID recycling services) to reduce the organizer’s cost.
Cutting costs with simple, unpretentious decorations based on recycled materials
Organizers of APCAT-6, ACIIA Conference and APCAACI showed how shows can be green and still succeed. They decorated public-access facilities with recyclable, modular materials without using a carpet and further persuaded their exhibitors to implement eco-friendly, green MICE practices. For booth lighting, the energy saving Cold-Cathode Fluorescent Lamps (CCFLs) was adapted by APCAACI 2013 since it vastly reduces heat emissions to reduce stress on air-conditioners. At APCAT-6, the open top ID holder helped to make laminated cards history by allowing participants to remove or insert several IDs and related papers. That simple innovation alone allows the paper ID cards and plastic cases to be recycled many times.
Enhance efficiency with advanced technologies
By harnessing cutting-edge technologies, organizers of these conferences offered real-time, precise information combined with customized design to enhance the efficiency of marketing efforts. The pre-event marketing campaign was successful in reaching a wide ranging audience with an electronic bulletin system that involved websites, e-brochures and QR codes, leading to reduced mailing costs and time. The computerization of conference check-in procedures enhanced efficiency and further reduced waiting times; printing costs were drastically lowered as attendees were allowed to download brochures from, and upload photos to, the official websites.
Eco-friendly accommodations and dining solutions for event participants
Through awareness campaigns, conference attendees were encouraged to bring their own toiletries and avoid changing sheets or towels during their hotel stay. The environmental friendly actions of the participants helped hotel operators to better appreciate the concepts of environmental protection through providing sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations. As a healthy and environmentally responsible gesture, the attendees brought their own dining utensils. This meant that fewer paper cups or bottled water were disposed of during the conference. They also walked to banquets or parties located close to the conference venue or hotel and used public transit for longer trips. Even those trips on the buses and MRT proved exceptional experiences for MICE participants.
Without investing huge amounts of money or human resources, Green MICE practices enable every stakeholder to easily contribute to our planet. And it just takes a few creative ideas.