Oracle OpenWorld Blog

Meeting Strategies Worldwide with More on Oracle OpenWorld

The location of the meeting plays a significant role in the success of greening the event. And where better to hold a green meeting than in San Francisco at the Moscone Center. San Francisco was recently named the "most walkable" city and the Moscone Center has taken a leadership role in environmentally responsible operations.

Consider what an impact one facility can have ... in one year alone, and only at Moscone West, SMG's Food and Beverage operation purchased a total of 700,164 bottles and cans; 675,752 water, juice, and soda containers; 59,712 bottles of beer; and 14,700 bottles of wine ... all of which were recycled.

An excellent choice for Oracle OpenWorld! As you experience Oracle OpenWorld 2008 keep in mind all of the "behind the scenes" environmentally responsible practices that are taking place, such as:

Recycling. Moscone Center is currently diverting 60% of its material from the waste stream. In the past five years, an average of more than 1.6 million pounds a year have been diverted.

Composting. SMG's Food and Beverage operation has a comprehensive composting program that utilizes sustainable, compostable serviceware in all food and beverage areas.

Donations. Over 20% of the total diversion has been achieved through donations of goods and materials to schools and charitable organizations in the community.

Energy Efficiency. Moscone Center's photovoltaic system was launched in 2004 and consists of over 5,000 solar panels and nearly 60,000 square feet of photovoltaic surface area atop the Esplanade Ballroom and South Lobby rooftops. The system produces approximately 675 kwh providing an energy savings equivalent to that used by approximately 1,200 homes.

You can do your part too during Oracle OpenWorld 2008: look for opportunities to recycle, walk instead of ride, and visit the Green Pavilion. We will be onsite as well, capturing measurable data so you can see just what a difference one conference can make!

Nancy J. Wilson
CMP, Meeting Strategies Worldwide
Meeting Strategies Worldwide was hired to assess the Oracle OpenWorld 2007 green meeting practices and provide guidelines for Oracle OpenWorld 2008 and other Oracle events.