Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/999395
B M & T ••• May/June 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 7 • Richie Etwaru, Blockchain Futurist • Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO of Destination DC • Daniel Franklin, Executive Editor of "The Economist" and Editor • Julie Coker Graham, Co-Chair, MMB; President & CEO, Philadelphia CVB • Chris Ihrig, All Fired Up • Victoria Isley, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Bermuda Tourism Authority • James Latham, Founder of Intellectual Capital • Anja Loetscher, Director, Geneva Convention Bureau • Anne Madison, Chief Strategy & Communication Officer of Brand USA • Colleen Phalen, EVP, Educational Development and Meetings, Destinations International • Randi Rogers, Account Director, Miles Partnership • Adam Sacks, Founder and President of Tourism Economics • Claire Shipman, Women's Leadership Expert • Chris Thompson, President and CEO of Brand USA • Amy Walter, Editor of the Cook Political Report • Alex Wirth, Co-Founder of Quorum Destinations International is grateful for the support of their Pinnacle Partners: Brand USA and Simpleview; and their CEO Summit Sponsors: Adara, Arrivalist, Bermuda Tourism Authority, CFO By Design, Destination Analysts, Expedia Group Media Solutions, IMEX Group, Longwoods International, Miles Partnership, Searchwide, STR, Tempest and the U.S. Travel Association. THE VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE IS THE PROUD RECIPIENT OF THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION FOR EXPOSITION MANAGEMENTS (CAEM 2018) GIVE BACK AWARD The CAEM Give Back Award recognizes a member organization that has contributed to the enhancement of their community, within the past year. "We are truly honored to be recognized by our industry with such a meaningful award. With the size, scope and reach of our facility, along with our location in the heart of downtown Vancouver surrounded by business and local residents alike, we recognize the important role we need to play to enrich our community," said Craig Lehto, general manager, Vancouver Convention Centre. "We hope this award shines light on the amazing local charities we work with and that our partnerships with them, along with our efforts in sustainability, will inspire others to make a difference in their communities." "The Give Back Award is awarded to a member organiza- tion who demonstrates that corporate social responsibility, and giving back to their community is an integral part of doing business," said Jennifer Allaby, CAEM president. "Through the Vancouver Convention Centre's efforts in energy and sustainability as being the world's first double LEED platinum certified facility to their contributions to their local community through charities such as United We Can, among many other efforts, the Vancouver Convention Centre is undoubtedly the deserving recipient of this award." The Vancouver Convention Centre has a strong corpo- rate social responsibility program, with partnerships with several local charities committed to supporting communities in Vancouver's inner city. One such partnership is with United We Can, a local organization that creates self-sus- taining social enterprises with a focus on environmental sus- tainability, while creating income and job training opportu- nities for people with multiple barriers to traditional employment. The Convention Centre, through its hospitality partner Centerplate, donates 100 percent of its beverage recyclables to United We Can's recycling depot. In the last year alone, the facility donated 241,246 bottles and containers, valuing over $20,000. Over the past year, the Convention Centre earned its sec- ond LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Platinum certification, for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (version 4). This achievement required a rigorous effort to build on the sustainable per- formance of the facility in the areas of: waste management, energy efficiency, indoor water use reduction, and facility maintenance and renovations among others. The facility also works with event organizers to ensure goods and materials left from events are donated to local charities or community groups for re-purposing. To date, goods have been donated to: Vancouver Public Library, Vancouver Orphaned Kitten Rescue Association, Vancouver Food Bank Society, Union Gospel Mission, First United Church, Salvation Army and social enterprises like Common Thread.