CHICAGO - The 2010Sustainable Meetings Conference has opened registration with a new theme, adynamic keynote, a wide-ranging program, and the ambitious goal of drawing 500participants onsite in Denver, CO from February 9-11, 2010.

The conference theme, Scalingit Up, underscores the growing importance of sustainability in meetings andevents, as well as surging interest in GMIC’s premier annual event (formerlythe Greening the Hospitality Industry Conference).

“This conference is the opportunity for meeting organizersand hosts to address the sustainability issues that are redefining the industry,”said GMIC President Amy Spatrisano, CMP. “GMIC selected Denver primarily forits ability to draw a network of committed leaders with demonstrated experiencehosting sustainable meetings and events, like the Democratic NationalConvention.”

Denver is also home to GMIC’s second official chapter, whichhas seen its membership grow 50% in the past year. The chapter will serve ashost committee for the conference and lead the charge for GMIC’s annualcommunity service project.

Building on the trash action challenge that participantsadopted at GMIC’s 2009 conference, this year’s keynote speaker will be AnnieLeonard, author and host of the online film, The Story of Stuff.  The rest of the program is devoted to a seriesof interactive learning sessions centered on the APEX/ASTM green meetingstandards, as well as the process learning methodology modeled in internationalevent standards like the UK’s BS 8901.

GMIC will use feedback from conference participants todevelop a green meeting professional training series and certificate program inthe coming year. “We plan to involve conference participants in applying thechecklists, standards, and reduction targets to their own organizations,” saidGMIC Executive Director Tamara Kennedy-Hill. ”We want to balance targeted reductiongoals within a consistent sustainability framework that encourages continuousimprovement.” Spatrisano adds, "Each event that incorporates theseintegrated practices can help make a global difference.”

The call for presenters is live, along with conferenceregistration and full conference details, at www.sustainablemeetingsconference.com.

About the GMIC: The Green Meeting Industry Council(GMIC) is the premier global community solely dedicated to sustainability, notonly through education, but also by spearheading research, policy and standardsfor the meetings and event industry. The GMIC is an active member of theConvention Industry Council. Information: www.greenmeetings.info

CONTACT:Tamara Kennedy-Hill

1-888-450-2098

tamara@greenmeetings.info