WHITE PLAINS, NY—Supporting the hospitality industry’s continued efforts to decrease carbon footprints and develop eco-friendly properties, the 93rd annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show will feature educational programming, a special exhibitor and product awards highlighting the latest sustainable products and resources. Taking place Nov. 8-11, 2008, at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the IH/M&RS will serve as the industry’s top gathering place for informed decisions about this trend and others. “With the sustainability movement continuing to strengthen we’re pleased to present an opportunity for 35,000 industry professionals to learn from noted experts in the field, understand eco-friendly best practices being applied by hospitality operators and discover the latest products that will assist in their ‘going green’ efforts,” said Lynn White, show manager of IH/M&RS. “Our objective is to present a marketplace that answers questions and fulfills product needs as they relate to sustainability.” Keynote focuses on sustainability For the first time a “green” themed keynote presentation will headline the Sunday, Nov. 9 seminar schedule. Christine Ervin, environmental leader and former CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council, will present “Sustainability” from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. As an environmental advocate whose career spans executive positions across national, state and nonprofit sectors, Ervin is widely credited as a major force in today’s vibrant green building markets. During her five-year tenure as president and CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council, Ervin launched the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, the Greenbuild Conference and Expo and numerous governance enhancements to help reach mainstream markets. During the Clinton administration, she was Assistant Secretary of Energy and responsible for the nation’s $1-billion portfolio of clean energy technologies for transportation, buildings, major industries and power systems. Green education continues for attendees The IH/M&RS will present “Energy Miser All Stars: Conservation Lessons from the Best” from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 pm on Saturday, Nov. 8. This seminar will feature owners and operators who have managed to reduce their annual energy costs by substantial margins while positively impacting the guest experience, the bottom line, the environment and their standing in the local community. Seminar participants can expect to walk away from this program with 10 tips for saving thousands of dollars annually. In addition, the Green Task Force of the American Hotel & Lodging Association will present “Eco-friendly Meets Eco-nomic,” from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10. This seminar will address the “going green” transition from a market differentiator to a mainstream requirement, including how to achieve a reputable certification to eliminate greenwashing accusations and satisfy guest expectations before they reach the lobby. Editors’ Choice Awards to recognize green products Following last year’s successful debut of eco-friendly categories within the coveted Editors’ Choice Awards, the IH/M&RS will once again spotlight the best green products on the show floor that have been introduced to the market in the past year. Eco-friendly awards will be presented in the categories of décor, essentials, luxury, restaurant and technology. In addition, the “Kenneth F. Hine Best of Show” Award will spotlight the top new product. Editors from the leading hospitality and culinary trade publications, as well as a representative from the Green Restaurant Association, will review approximately 200 submissions and select outstanding new products based on innovative product design, how a product answers a particular industry need, creative use of material or construction and development or use of a new technology. Winners will be announced during the event’s Opening Ceremony on Nov. 9. Department of Environmental Protection to exhibit Exhibiting at IH/M&RS for the first time is the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, demonstrating the significance of this market as an opportunity to meet and learn from leaders with direct influence on the sustainability movement. The Department of Environmental Protection serves as the governing force behind New York’s water conservation efforts, water system accountability and environmental assessment and impact. “Going Green in Hospitality” exhibition The 2008 IH/M&RS also will present “Going Green in Hospitality,” an exhibition developed in cooperation with the AH&LA Green Task Force. A focal point of the Crystal Palace Concourse Lobby of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the exhibition will feature best practices, case studies and news stories demonstrating how the hospitality industry has embraced the green movement. “Going Green in Hospitality” will not only showcase innovation, but also will explain to operators how eco-friendly initiatives can positively impact the bottom line. The 93rd annual IH/M&RS will present some 1,250 hospitality industry suppliers and is epxected to attracts approximately 35,000 in total trade attendance.