Green Meeting Initiatives

Green initiatives are among AIHce’s greatest successes. AIHce strives to produce a more sustainable and socially responsible event, raising environmental awareness, conserving resources, and increasing the flow of information. Take a look at what we are doing and join us in our efforts at AIHce 2011!

Paperless technology

  • The AIHce website – the premier resource for information
  • Advance and final programs available electronically
  • Paperless PDC and Technical Session submission processes
  • The AIHce 2011 Abstract Book available online
  • Electronic advertising, registration, and confirmations
  • Downloadable or DVD session recordings
  • Post-AIHce podcasting and distance-learning options

Reduce, reuse, and recycle

  • Presenters/exhibitors encouraged to use recycled paper and reusable handouts/giveaways
  • Receptacles located throughout the center
  • Distribution of water in bottles kept to a minimum
  • Signs printed on recyclable materials or reused in future
  • Recycled badge holders and lead cards

Transportation

Portland boasts one of the country’s best transportation systems in the country. For this reason, AIHce will transport registrants to the Oregon Convention Center via the city’s MAX Light Rail. Free to riders, the light rail offers three color-coded lines from downtown Portland to the Convention Center. Additionally, the rail line is a convenient mode of transportation to the city’s downtown restaurants, shopping, and cultural activities – all within a few minutes’ time and at no charge.  

Oregon Convention Center

Sustainable practices are at the heart of the Oregon Convention Center’s operation and planning. Through facility design, operational practices, and energy and resource conservation programs, the OCC strives to stand as an example for the region and nation of what is achievable with wise resource planning and a conservation ethic.

The following is a short list of the center’s initiatives.

Operations:

  • Recycling collection bins (mixed paper, cans/plastic, glass) in all meeting and ballroom lobby areas.
  • Customized recycling stations in the Expo.
  • Cardboard collection.
  • Assigned attendant to oversee any overflow of containers.

Catering/Concessions:

  • Locally-grown food products based upon seasonal availability.
  • Standard china, glassware and flatware in meeting rooms or biodegradable flatware.
  • Post consumer recycled biodegradable plates.
  • 10% post consumer recycled biodegradable coffee cups.
  • Condiments served in bulk containers.
  • Post consumer two-ply pull n’ tear roll napkins.
  • Bar service using standard glassware, recyclable bottles or biodegradable plastic barware.
  • Composting of food waste and biodegradable products for all events.
  • Excess food donated to local homeless shelters.
Co-Sponsored by AIHA & ACGIH