To maximize, the value of attending in person, ASTC has prioritized the selection and curation of sessions and experiences at conference that take full advantage of the ability to come together physically.
This includes selecting learning sessions that promise interactivity, exchange, and co-creation that benefit from being in the same space.
It also includes thoughtful planning for the networking, informal, and social events that maximize the ability of our community to come together and connect, which is an important goal of the conference.
Charlotte is an increasingly green city with a commitment to becoming a model environmental community in how it manages energy, air, water and waste.
- The city is within driving distance of much of the Eastern United States, allowing individuals from many of our members to carpool.
- As the seventh busiest airport in the world, Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers nonstop service to 180 destinations, minimizing the need for connecting flights.
- The airport is just 7 miles from Uptown where the conference will be held and the CATS Sprinter Service offers a one-seat ride from the airport to Uptown.
- The Charlotte Convention Center and conference hotels are located adjacent to public transportation, including the light rail that stops right at the convention center.
- Driving your electric car? Charge it up at the onsite chargers at The Westin Charlotte and throughout the city.
Learn more the City of Charlotte’s commitment to sustainability.
These are among the many actions that ASTC is taking to minimize the environmental footprint of the conference:
- Encouraging registrants to take advantage of a voluntary planetary health “offset” to support sustainability in the Charlotte area.
- Because conference events will be held in a small geographic area, we will minimize the use of dedicated conference buses. Instead, participants are encouraged to walk or take public transportation. (Note that transportation will still be available to those with mobility issues.)
- Minimize the use of paper, including encouraging use of the conference app instead of a full conference program.
- Any printed materials will make use of recycled and sustainable materials where possible. This includes the use of recycled materials for badges, badge holders, and lanyards wherever possible. We will also provide opportunities to deposit these materials on site for reuse or recycling at the conclusion of the conference.
- Minimize the use of carpets in the Exhibit Hall.
- Avoid single-use disposable items to the extent possible (e.g., provide water stations to refill your water bottle rather than single-use bottles).
ASTC is working with the Charlotte Convention Center to minimize the environmental impact of the ASTC Annual Conference.
The convention center was recently awarded LEED Gold certification, in recognition of its significant energy and water conservation measures, waste reduction, and environmental purchasing and building performance data analysis.
Here are just some of the steps that the convention center takes to minimize its environmental impact, including the following:
Energy Conservation:
- The largest space occupied by ASTC 2023, the Exhibit Hall, uses high-efficiency LED lighting fixtures that reduce energy use by 53% over previous fixtures.
- The Richardson Ballroom and all meeting rooms also use high-efficiency LED lighting.
- During exhibitor move-in and move-out, HVAC is turned off and lighting is only at 50% capacity.
- The HVAC chillers, boilers, and cooling towers were replaced with new energy-efficient units as part of the building’s recent expansion.
- The use of heating, cooling, and lighting systems throughout the building is based on building activity and are decreased when not needed.
- Natural light is available throughout the building through low ‘E’ glass that controls UV light.
Water Conservation:
- The new cooling towers use treated groundwater, saving approximately 100,000 gallons of municipal water each month.
- Aerators on water faucets throughout the facility contribute to water conservation.
- Many tables throughout the facility are designed to be used without linens, meaning a reduction in laundering.
- Soap dispensers use certified green soap, which requires less water for rinsing.
Cleaning
- Cleaning supplies are environmentally safe and biodegradable to the extent possible.
Learn more about the Charlotte Convention Center’s green initiatives.
The Charlotte Convention Center and ASTC are taking a number of steps to increase the sustainability of food and beverage at ASTC 2023, including the following:
- Beverage cups are made from biodegradable materials.
- All cooking oil is recycled and repurposed.
- All organic and disposable materials are collected for composting in the back of the house, diverting approximately 10 tons of food and food prep annually.
- Catering does not prepare excess meals to minimize waste.
- When it occurs, any excess food is donated to Stew of Sustainability and Second Harvest Food Back of the Metrolina.
- ASTC will work with the caterers to craft a menu that maximizes sustainability, including consideration of the carbon cost of items.
ASTC will work with vendors to maximize the use of recycled and sustainable materials—and to promote reuse and recycling of materials after the conference wherever possible. Here is an initial list, but this is on the agenda to discuss during next week’s site visit.
Signage:
- Signs are printed directly onto green substrates, including biodegradable boards.
- Used signs are repurposed when possible, such as for packing and crafting materials, to avoid them being put into landfills.
Exhibit booths:
- Carpeting is made from a fully recyclable fiber and backing, which is reused until it can be turned into other materials.
Transportation:
- Alternative fuel and bio-diesel trucks are used when feasible for needed freight transportation.
