No one would deny that conferences, concerts, sports events and festivals have social and economic benefits. At the same time, the organization of these events can generate considerable waste and have other negative impacts

To help the local hospitality industry tackle this challenge, the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development at CSU Monterey Bay will host a symposium Oct. 4, 2010, on sustainable hospitality and economic development. The symposium – the institute's inaugural event – in being held in collaboration with the Monterey County Business Council.

Experts will focus on how economic development is related to sustainable event business practices that make the best use of resources, minimize costs and produce a bottom line that is socially, environmentally and economically sound.

The Oct. 4 symposium is an educational opportunity for the hospitality industry on the Central Coast. It will be held at the University Center on Sixth Avenue, on the Seaside campus of CSUMB. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Presentations include:

• The Business Case for Green Meetings and Events: The Destination by Amy Spatrisano and Nancy Wilson of MeetGreen and the Green Meeting Industry Council

• The Development of International Standards: What Does ISO 20121 Mean for the Event Industry, by Fiona Pelham, managing director of Sustainable Events Ltd.

• What is a Sustainable Management System? By Wilhelm Wang, international standards expert

• Sustainable Event Management – Case Study, by Meegan Jones, author and consultant

• Industry standards – Sue Tinnish, USTAG chair

Round-table discussions led by local facilitators will follow the presentations.

Lunch and a wine and cheese networking reception are included in the $75 registration fee. Registration may be completed online at https:// hospitalitysymposium.eventbrite.com

More information on the Institute of Innovation and Economic Development is available here; learn more about the Monterey County Business Council here.