ESG


Mission Statement: Our mission at ConferenceDirect is to care for the world we live in, from the customers we serve to the ways we give back to our community.  At ConferenceDirect we strive to set an example not just in the meetings industry but for our associates, partners and the world.

Our global events industry has the ability and responsibility to drive meaningful change, create welcoming communities and improve society through our actions. 

ConferenceDirect joins the Events Industry Council in the commitment to impact, inspire and empower the event industry to advance the Sustainable Development ConferenceDirect works to integrate the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals into our meetings and events. 

What ConferenceDirect is Doing: 
At Diversity 2023 you will see the following efforts in support of environmental and social responsibility: 
•    Social Responsibility: Group CSR Activity impacting Local Chicago Organization
•    Wellness: 

  • Morning wellness activity and wellness break activities
  • Fitness center use offered to all attendees 

•    Food & Beverage

  • Menus focused on healthy eating, lower water and carbon footprint options.
  • Bulk beverage stations. Reusable beverage containers, glassware, or compostable/recyclable cups. 
  • No pre-poured beverages for catered event. Any pre-set food limited to 80% of total expected attendance. 

•   Housing: Arrangements made for housekeeping to be by request only for attendees 

•   Desitnation, Venue & Event Production 

  • 50% reduced light and reduced HVAC during move-in/out 
  • Sustainable décor options, such as linenless tables and reusable centerpieces
  • Recycling and/or donation of event registration materials
  • Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Sustainability Highlights:
    • GBAC 2023 Certified 
    • Hotel's North Tower is LEED certified and includes a green roof. 
    • Electric vehicle charging stations are available to guests in the Hotel parking garage. 
    • Guest room thermostats are centrally controlled by the Front Office Management system. Senses when a room is rented/occupied and once checked in temperature automatically adjusts accordingly. 
    • LED lighting is utilized throughout Hotel. 
    • Hotel's electricity is wind generated. 
    • Bulk bathroom amenities in guest rooms (body wash, shampoo, etc.) to be in Hotel by April 2023). 
    • Built in Hydration System on all guest floors.
    • Hyatt has a "Food. Thoughtfully Sourced.  Carefully Served." initiative that focuses on sourcing and providing food and beverage options that are good for hotels; guests and associates, good for the plant and good for local communities.  
  • Choose Chicago DEI website page – page dedicated to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion highlights initiatives, partner diversity, community engagement and small business spotlights.
  • Choose Chicago Partner Diversity: ‘Women-owned’ and ‘Minority-owned’ search fields and designations in the following key areas on the Choose Chicago website:

What You Can Do as an Event Attendee: 
We encourage all attendees to join our efforts in support of environmental and social responsibility in the following ways: 

  • Bring your own water bottle. 
  • If you are within driving distance of Chicago, consider driving to Diversity 2023. 
  • If you are flying to Chicago, take direct flights if available from your home destination. 
  • Take public transit to/from your home airport. 
  • Use alternative transportation to get around town such as walking, bike share, electronic scooters and the "L".
  • At check-in: decline daily guestroom housekeeping; opt to receive an e-Folio at departure, rather than a printed folio. 
  • Turn lights off when leaving the guestroom for the day. 
  • Visit and support Locally and Minority Owned Businesses.
  • Recycle your name badge/lanyard at the end of the conference. 

Learn More: