On February 8th, as a PCMA student member, I had the tremendous opportunity to attend this recent event held at the remodeled Downtown Marriott Hotel. NYPCMA welcomed us with their usual professionalism and warmth. Members had the pleasure of networking with each other for about one hour before the main program while partaking of delicious refreshments. While attendees enjoyed lunch, Travel Portland presented on the topic: "The Triple Bottom Line: People, Profit, Planet." This panel discussion focused how people, profitability and planet can be addressed in meetings and events. The presentation concentrated on "going green" and "sustainability." The presenters shared a variety of ways that planners and hospitality institutions can embrace sustainability practices in the communities where meeting and events are held. So many of the small things that can be done to cut down on waste, also lead to greater profibility. Green meetings and events need to be strategically planned and involve individuals on all levels of an organization to promote the positive effects of such programs. "Going green" also includes the social aspects that rely on charity actions and community services. The event was educational and hopefully all attendees walked away with ideas on how they can implement the People, Planet, and Profibility model into their organization, which will in turn impact the our society on a global level. NYPCMA Chapter President, Amanda Ciarlone, encouraged all members to be more involved by volunteering on one of the chapter's committees: sponsorship, programs, Network for the Needy community service, marketing/communications, membership and student development. Based on hours of service, members who volunteer will receive raffle tickets to win a free registration to the 2012 PCMA Annual Meeting in San Diego. Our chapter won 30 registrations at the Las Vegas meeting. STUDENT SPONSOR
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