On April 7, 2021, The Palm Beaches joined organizations across the globe to support Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) by showcasing how to incorporate wellness initiatives and sustainability into the meetings industry. The Palm Beaches celebrated with an environmental theme, “Meeting Today to Inspire Change for a More Sustainable Tomorrow,” recognizing one of the industry’s top priorities of operating meetings and events sustainably to keep a destination well for years to come. During the event, The Palm Beaches hosted a group of meetings and event professionals to learn how the destination incorporates sustainable practices and how its community wellness leaders are inspiring the industry to do better. Then, attendees were asked to fill out cards stating how they have been inspired to incorporate sustainability into their events. Here we have summarized the major trends in the cards.

How can The Palm Beaches help you organize a sustainable meeting? 

The Palm Beaches can help you minimize your environmental footprint. We can support you through the organization of sustainable meetings that prioritize the health and wellness of the attendees, the community, and the environment. Here is how—according to our GMID attendees. 

“I’m inspired to make sustainable connections that make a better world.” 

1. Using Solar Energy.

The Palm Beaches can help you reduce the carbon footprint of your meetings by using solar energy. Our partner Florida Power & Light (FPL) based in Juno Beach is committed to solar energy with the use of clean energy solar trees in key areas, including Palm Beach County Convention Center, the train station, Palm Beach International Airport, and attractions, as well as their commitment to environmental education and wellness through Manatee Lagoon. Manatee Lagoon is where threatened Florida manatees gather in the warm-water outflows of Florida Power & Light Company’s Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center, especially during cold weather. It is a place where visitors can learn more about FPL’s Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center and the role it plays in the manatees’ migratory habits.

“I’m inspired to incorporate more eco-friendly components into our meetings.” 

2. Reducing Single-Use Plastic.

With 47 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, the ocean and the golden beaches are the most valuable resources of The Palm Beaches. We can help you minimize your impact on our natural assets by reducing single-use plastic during your meeting. 4Ocean is a local purpose-driven business in Boca Raton on a mission to end the ocean plastic crisis. 4Ocean offers the opportunity to educate groups about the global crisis, empower others to end their dependence on single-use plastics, and offer unique products that give back in a unique way. For every 4Ocean product purchase, the company commits a One Pound Promise—a promise to pull one pound of trash from the ocean, rivers, and coastlines. Planners can consider purchasing single-use alternatives such as collapsible travel straws, utensil sets, and reusable bottles or phone cases made of recycled materials, pulled directly from oceans and waterways. Furthermore, the company’s closed-loop program also allows for products no longer used or worn to be made into new products, such as their unisex bracelets.

“I’m inspired to eliminate all single use products from my life and household.”

Another eco-friendly organization striving to reduce single-use plastic is Tellus Products. Based in Belle Glade, the company produces innovative plastic-free packaging and foodservice products that take less than 84 days to break down, offering an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. Additionally, the company is based in a facility powered by a mix of renewable energy from sugarcane and solar. Purchase Tellus Products’ sustainable plates, bowls, and take out containers, and make your event plastic-free! 

“I’m inspired to work with my hotel partners to make my events more environmentally friendly.” 

3. Shopping Local.

Thanks to our local farmers and wellness companies, we can help you source the best local products and items for you and your attendees. You can offer a unique gift item to attendees through Garden of Life, a wellness company located in Palm Beach Gardens that produces vitamins, shakes, and probiotics—all USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, Certified Vegan, Certified Gluten-Free, and Kosher. When you purchase one of their products, you are also supporting various charities including Special Olympics-Palm Beach County, 1% Ocean Fun, Vitamin Angels, to name a few. 

Choose Swank Specialty Produce for your farm-to-table catering menu. This company offers a large set-up of rotating seasonal produce from Swank Farm, providing farm-fresh, locally grown ingredients while promoting self-sufficiency and wellness. You can also plan your own event on the farm’s premises. Or, you can enhance each attendee’s experience with a visit to Swank Specialty Produce. Choose this as an off-site experience or attend one of the Farm’s several, themed, multi-course, on-farm dinner series events, typically held on select dates from December through May. 

“I’m inspired to buy more sustainable products for our future generations.”