A Green Conference

The Local Government Commission and conference partners have stepped up our commitment this year to ensure that the conference is a “greener” and more sustainable event. Our goal has been to produce fewer printed materials before, during and after the event. In fact, we cut the size of our registration brochure in half for this event and printed fewer of them, relying more on electronic promotion in the months leading up to the conference.

We are also, for the first time ever, not producing a participant packet to be handed out onsite. Instead, all participants will receive a name badge, a conference program, and a participant list. We are also omitting conference bags this year, as they are not usually environmentally friendly, and most participants prefer not to take them. Some of the materials we typically include in the packet each year will be available online, while other materials will be produced in much smaller quantities and be made available via the Take One Tables.

Marriott Hotels and the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel have also made a strong commitment to being socially responsible and implementing environmentally friendly and resource conservation programs and practices. We are working with the Hotel to ensure on-site recycling is available, and that only reusable utensils, napkins and tablecloths are used during the event. The Marriott also has several programs in place to assist us in our efforts, including a linen reuse program, and energy and water conservation programs. For more information on specific programs the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel has in place, click here.

We are also working with some of our project partners and DC-area food co-ops to include locally grown food in the conference menu.