The Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) Conference, held in Dunedin this week, has introduced a number of eco-friendly initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

In a conference first, delegates will offset the carbon emissions from their journeys by gifting hundreds of native trees to the city.

In a corporate social responsibility initiative run for CINZ by Ahika Consulting, trees will be planted to restore the Otago Peninsula native forest.

CINZ chief executive Sue Sullivan says plastic bottles, paper cups, bags, and printed brochures are all out at this year’s conference too.

“Instead everything delegates need is on Centium’s EventsAIR App, which includes a new EventStream feature to allow delegates to post photos and videos and comments via the app,” said Sullivan.

Bree Jones, Business Events Tourism Advisor at Enterprise Dunedin says the city has donated reusable cups to conference delegates.

“Knowing the amount of coffee our industry lives on, we have been giving away reusable coffee cups and encouraging delegates to use these throughout the conference,” said Jones.

Niki Bould, sustainablity consultant with Ahika presented CINZ delegates with the latest on carbon neutral conferencing, giving them practical advice on how to manage their approach to sustainability and make a difference at every event.

“We applaud CINZ for leading the way with offsetting carbon generated through this conference, and in their reduction of waste commonly associated with conferences. Such practice is growing internationally, and Ahika is excited to be helping CINZ lead the way in New Zealand,” said Bould.

With the theme ‘Ahead of the Curve’, more than 140 CINZ members including owners and managers of key venues, catering companies, accommodation providers, activity operators and regional convention bureaux have been meeting at the Dunedin Centre and Town Hall this week.