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, and our Event Hosts, are Doing:

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.
  • Menus developed with locally sourced and seasonal products.
  • 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. 
  • Food is sourced locally or sustainably when possible. 
  • Condiments are served in bulk to reduce packaging waste.

Housing

  • ConferenceDirect has arranged for housekeeping to be upon request only.  

Event Production 

  • Digital signage or reusable branding materials (when available)
  • Sustainable décor options, such as linenless tables and reusable centerpieces (when available)
  • Recycling and/or donation of event registration materials
  • Events and activities are held within walking distance

Accessibility

  • Live captioning available in General Session room 
  • Scent-free recommendation for all attendees 
  • Sensory-friendly seating styles in General Session

Hilton New Orleans Riverside Highlights:

  • Carbon Neutral Meetings Program: Participating in Hilton’s Carbon Neutral Meeting Offer, offsetting event emissions through verified carbon reduction projects in partnership with ClimeCo and South Pole.

  • Comprehensive Waste Diversion: Achieves a >50% diversion rate through recycling, reusing, donating, and composting — including being the largest glass recycler in New Orleans and leading oyster shell recycling efforts for reef restoration.

  • Sustainable Operations & Energy Efficiency: Utilizes LightStay™ to track carbon, water, and energy use; features LED lighting, motion sensors, low-flow fixtures, and advanced building automation for energy management and water reuse systems in laundry operations.

  • Community & Environmental Impact: The largest donor to the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, contributing over 2.1 million pounds of oyster shells since 2013, and supporting local impact programs like Clean the World and food donation initiatives.

New Orleans and Company Highlights:

New Orleans is championing sustainability through eco-friendly tourism, green infrastructure, and community-driven initiatives that protect the city's cultural and environmental legacy. Learn more about the city's efforts here. 

  • Transportation: The city’s iconic fully electric streetcars, cleaner motor coaches, the state’s first EV-350 Transit van, and extensive EV charging stations highlight its shift toward low-emission transportation solutions.
  • Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) Oyster Shell Recycling Program: This program recycles over 13 million pounds of oyster shells with help from local restaurants and volunteers, rebuilding coastal habitats and fighting erosion.
  • Glass Half Full: Glass Half Full has repurposed over 7 million pounds of glass into materials for disaster relief, coastal restoration, and eco-construction, helping businesses reduce waste and operate more sustainably.

  • Louisiana Wind Energy Hub at the University of New Orleans: This hub is advancing offshore wind innovation, research, and workforce development, making Louisiana a leader in renewable energy and clean-tech job creation.

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. 
  • Use alternative transportation to get around town such as walking, bike-share or electronic scooters.
  • If you are within driving distance of New Orleans, consider driving to The Meetings Summit. 
  • At check-in: decline daily guestroom housekeeping; opt to receive an e-Folio at departure, rather than a printed folio. 
  • Turn lights off and close window shades when leaving the guestroom for the day. 
  • Recycle your name badge/lanyard at the end of the conference. 

Why ConferenceDirect encourages declining housekeeping and why it matters: 

  1. Reduced Water and Energy Usage: Cleaning a hotel room involves laundering towels and linens, which requires significant amounts of water and energy. By reducing the frequency of these cleanings, hotels can conserve water and energy, thus lowering their environmental impact.
  2. Less Chemical Usage: Cleaning products used in hotels often contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Reducing the frequency of room cleaning means less usage of these chemicals, which is beneficial for both the environment and human health.
  3. Lower Waste Generation: Daily cleaning generates a substantial amount of waste, including used toiletries, packaging, and disposable items. By minimizing the frequency of cleaning, hotels can reduce the overall waste they generate and send to landfills.
  4. Decreased Pollution: The process of laundering linens and towels can contribute to water pollution due to the chemicals used and the release of microfibers. Reducing the number of laundry cycles helps minimize this pollution and its environmental impact.
  5. Extended Lifespan of Linens and Furnishings: Frequent washing and cleaning can lead to wear and tear on linens, towels, and furnishings. By reducing the frequency of cleaning, hotels can extend the lifespan of these items, ultimately reducing the need for replacements and conserving resources.
  6. Guest Awareness and Behavior: Not cleaning the room daily can also raise guest awareness about sustainability. Guests may become more mindful of their resource usage, leading to them reusing towels and linens during their stay, which further contributes to water and energy conservation.
  7. Staff Efficiency: Reducing the daily cleaning routine allows hotel staff to focus on other sustainability initiatives or tasks that contribute to the hotel's environmental efforts, making operations more efficient.

Flying to the Event - Did you know that air travel makes up approximately 85% of an events carbon footprint?

Although flying is generally a significant source of emissions, there are some best practices you can follow to mitigate your carbon footprint when traveling:

  1. Choose Direct Flights: Non-stop flights produce fewer emissions than connecting flights because takeoffs and landings are the most fuel-intensive phases of a flight.
  2. Fly Economy Class: Flying in economy class allows for more passengers per flight, which distributes emissions among more people, making it a relatively more sustainable option compared to premium classes. 
  3. Fly on Modern Aircraft: Whenever possible, choose airlines that operate newer and more fuel-efficient aircraft. Newer planes are designed to be more environmentally friendly.
  4. Offset Your Carbon Emissions: Many airlines and third-party organizations offer carbon offset programs. You can voluntarily offset the emissions from your flight by supporting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as reforestation or renewable energy projects.
  5. Pack Light: Reducing the weight of your luggage can help save fuel since heavier planes require more energy to lift off and maintain altitude.
  6. Use Public Transportation: Whenever feasible, use public transportation to and from the airport instead of private vehicles. Public transit emits fewer emissions per person.
  7. Support Airlines with Green Initiatives: Choose airlines that are actively implementing measures to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable practices.
  8. Consider Alternative Modes of Transportation: For shorter distances, consider taking trains or buses, as they generally produce fewer emissions per passenger compared to flights.
  9. Pack Reusable Items: Bring reusable items like water bottles, utensils, and shopping bags to reduce the waste generated during your journey.
  10. Minimize In-Flight Waste: Avoid unnecessary single-use items during your flight, and properly dispose of waste in recycling and trash bins provided.
  11. Advocate for Policy Changes: Support policies and initiatives that encourage the aviation industry to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce emissions.

Remember that while these practices can help reduce your personal carbon footprint, the larger challenge of addressing aviation emissions requires a collective effort from airlines, governments, and the broader industry to invest in cleaner technologies and sustainable practices. 

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