Black Meetings & Tourism - EVENTS INDUSTRY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES MCCORMICK PLACE AND MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY EVENT STANDA

Industry Briefs
EVENTS INDUSTRY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES MCCORMICK PLACE AND MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY EVENT STANDARDS CERTIFICATION
Oak View Group-managed properties reach Silver Level Certification for environmental and social responsibility The Events Industry Council announced recently that two Oak View Group-managed (OVG) venues-Chicago's McCormick Place and the Miami Beach Convention Center-have achieved Silver Level Certification to EIC's Sustainable Event Standards. These are the first OVG-managed properties certified as part of a partnership with EIC to certify its entire portfolio of more than 60 venues in a phased approach. "We are incredibly proud to announce that our first two properties have achieved certification through the Events Industry Council's Sustainable Event Standards," said Greg O'Dell, President of Venue Management, Oak View Group. "These certifications reflect our dedication to creating greener, more responsible event spaces, and we look forward to certifying all our properties as part of our broader sustainability mission." The EIC Sustainable Event Standards have been created through a global collaborative process with participation from subject matter experts in all sectors. They provide a framework for collaboration, a strong focus on guidance and metrics so that event professionals, at all stages of their sustainability journey, have the support needed to implement and measure sustainable practices. To date, more than 300 professionals have participated in the review of the standards. Oak View Group-the global leader in sustainable venue operations-partnered with EIC to deepen its commitment to sustainability and better support the green meeting and exhibition aspirations of its clients and partners. Co-founded by OVG, the GOAL platform (Green Operations & Advanced Learning) played a key role in helping each venue reach their sustainability objectives, through best practice sharing, data collection, measurement tools, and on-site consulting and analysis. "We congratulate Oak View Group on the certification of these first two convention centers," said Amy Calvert, Chief Executive Officer of the Events Industry Council. "Their leadership and dedication to sustainability reflect the kind of forward-thinking practices that are essential to the future of our industry. Oak View Group, McCormick Place and the Miami Beach Convention Center are modeling the way forward for our industry in terms of sustainability, innovation and support for the communities, customers and partners they serve. We are excited to see them achieve this milestone as they continue their journey toward certifying all their properties." The EIC standard specifies performance criteria in the areas of organizational management, marketing, communications, and engagement, climate action, water management, materials and circularity, supply chain management, diversity, equity, and inclusion, accessibility, and social impact. The Alliance for Audited Media, a not-for-profit auditing organization, performed the independent third-party certification of both centers' compliance with the Integrated Property standard. "The certification of Oak View Group's venues reflects their commitment to sustainability and the industry," said Richard Murphy, CEO, president and managing director of the Alliance for Audited Media. "We applaud Oak View Group for taking this significant step, which not only showcases their dedication to sustainable business practices but also sets a high standard for the entire industry." As the largest convention center in North America, McCormick Place Convention Center takes pride in being at the forefront of green meetings and events with many firsts in innovative strategies for sustainable event management. Reducing environmental impact requires collaboration and cooperation with partners and the community, including ongoing efforts between the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority (MPEA), Oak View Group, OVG Hospitality, and sub-contractors to design and implement a robust sustainability program that supports the convention center and the events it hosts. "We are honored to receive this certification," said Larita Clark, CEO of MPEA, owner of McCormick Place. "McCormick Place's commitment to sustainability is long-standing. I am very proud of our team as they continue to raise the bar and grateful to the Events Industry Council for their expertise and support." Current McCormick Place sustainability focus areas include operating the largest farm-to-fork rooftop garden in the Midwest; an onsite non-profit partnership committed to food rescue; offsetting 100% of electricity usage with certified wind renewable energy certificates; protecting migratory birds; and supporting community engagement and education efforts. Following a $640-million-dollar reimagination in 2020, the award-winning Miami Beach Convention Center has been recognized as a top tier convention center, and with 1.4 million square feet of event space, it is the second largest in Florida. The venue's strong commitment to sustainable business practices, social impact, and green building features sets a new standard for meetings and conventions. The MBCC also holds the Certified Autism Center designation (IBCCES) and the US Green Building Council's LEED Silver certification. "Achieving the EIC Silver Certificate is a testament to the dedication of our entire team, who have tirelessly worked to meet and exceed the rigorous standards set by the EIC," said Freddie Peterson, OVG's General Manager of the Miami Beach Convention Center, owned by the City of Miami Beach. "In close collaboration with the City of Miami Beach, the GMCVB, and all our venue and contract partners, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, integrating sustainability into every aspect of our business, and inspiring positive change within our industry. Sustainability is crucial not only for the health of our planet but also for the well-being of future generations." Key pillars of MBCC's sustainability efforts include energy efficiency, recycling and waste reduction, food waste reduction, food donation and composting, onsite herb & vegetable garden, community involvement and volunteering.

Industry Briefs

EVENTS INDUSTRY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES MCCORMICK PLACE AND MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY EVENT STANDARDS CERTIFICATION

Oak View Group-managed properties reach Silver Level Certification for environmental and social responsibility

The Events Industry Council announced recently that two Oak View Group-managed (OVG) venues-Chicago's McCormick Place and the Miami Beach Convention Center-have achieved Silver Level Certification to EIC's Sustainable Event Standards. These are the first OVG-managed properties certified as part of a partnership with EIC to certify its entire portfolio of more than 60 venues in a phased approach.

"We are incredibly proud to announce that our first two properties have achieved certification through the Events Industry Council's Sustainable Event Standards," said Greg O'Dell, President of Venue Management, Oak View Group. "These certifications reflect our dedication to creating greener, more responsible event spaces, and we look forward to certifying all our properties as part of our broader sustainability mission."

The EIC Sustainable Event Standards have been created through a global collaborative process with participation from subject matter experts in all sectors. They provide a framework for collaboration, a strong focus on guidance and metrics so that event professionals, at all stages of their sustainability journey, have the support needed to implement and measure sustainable practices. To date, more than 300 professionals have participated in the review of the standards.

Oak View Group-the global leader in sustainable venue operations-partnered with EIC to deepen its commitment to sustainability and better support the green meeting and exhibition aspirations of its clients and partners. Co-founded by OVG, the GOAL platform (Green Operations & Advanced Learning) played a key role in helping each venue reach their sustainability objectives, through best practice sharing, data collection, measurement tools, and on-site consulting and analysis.

"We congratulate Oak View Group on the certification of these first two convention centers," said Amy Calvert, Chief Executive Officer of the Events Industry Council. "Their leadership and dedication to sustainability reflect the kind of forward-thinking practices that are essential to the future of our industry. Oak View Group, McCormick Place and the Miami Beach Convention Center are modeling the way forward for our industry in terms of sustainability, innovation and support for the communities, customers and partners they serve. We are excited to see them achieve this milestone as they continue their journey toward certifying all their properties."

The EIC standard specifies performance criteria in the areas of organizational management, marketing, communications, and engagement, climate action, water management, materials and circularity, supply chain management, diversity, equity, and inclusion, accessibility, and social impact.

The Alliance for Audited Media, a not-for-profit auditing organization, performed the independent third-party certification of both centers' compliance with the Integrated Property standard.

"The certification of Oak View Group's venues reflects their commitment to sustainability and the industry," said Richard Murphy, CEO, president and managing director of the Alliance for Audited Media. "We applaud Oak View Group for taking this significant step, which not only showcases their dedication to sustainable business practices but also sets a high standard for the entire industry."

As the largest convention center in North America, McCormick Place Convention Center takes pride in being at the forefront of green meetings and events with many firsts in innovative strategies for sustainable event management. Reducing environmental impact requires collaboration and cooperation with partners and the community, including ongoing efforts between the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority (MPEA), Oak View Group, OVG Hospitality, and sub-contractors to design and implement a robust sustainability program that supports the convention center and the events it hosts.

"We are honored to receive this certification," said Larita Clark, CEO of MPEA, owner of McCormick Place. "McCormick Place's commitment to sustainability is long-standing. I am very proud of our team as they continue to raise the bar and grateful to the Events Industry Council for their expertise and support."

Current McCormick Place sustainability focus areas include operating the largest farm-to-fork rooftop garden in the Midwest; an onsite non-profit partnership committed to food rescue; offsetting 100% of electricity usage with certified wind renewable energy certificates; protecting migratory birds; and supporting community engagement and education efforts.

Following a $640-million-dollar reimagination in 2020, the award-winning Miami Beach Convention Center has been recognized as a top tier convention center, and with 1.4 million square feet of event space, it is the second largest in Florida. The venue's strong commitment to sustainable business practices, social impact, and green building features sets a new standard for meetings and conventions. The MBCC also holds the Certified Autism Center designation (IBCCES) and the US Green Building Council's LEED Silver certification.

"Achieving the EIC Silver Certificate is a testament to the dedication of our entire team, who have tirelessly worked to meet and exceed the rigorous standards set by the EIC," said Freddie Peterson, OVG's General Manager of the Miami Beach Convention Center, owned by the City of Miami Beach. "In close collaboration with the City of Miami Beach, the GMCVB, and all our venue and contract partners, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, integrating sustainability into every aspect of our business, and inspiring positive change within our industry. Sustainability is crucial not only for the health of our planet but also for the well-being of future generations."

Key pillars of MBCC's sustainability efforts include energy efficiency, recycling and waste reduction, food waste reduction, food donation and composting, onsite herb & vegetable garden, community involvement and volunteering.