The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International will host three city tour of a seminar addressing “Green Events” in July – Singapore (July 18th), Phuket (July 22nd) and Hong Kong (July 25th). The series is designed for event planners, suppliers, hoteliers, marketing and sales professionals and others involved in the planning of business meetings and events from around the region who wish to address matters of the environment and sustainability within the scope of their events. The guest speaker in all three cities is the author of “The Complete Guide To Events Planning”, Shannon Kilkenny.

“Sustainable tourism practices and green initiatives are top of mind for our industry and for travelers alike. There is a genuine interest by the hospitality industry to have a better understanding of how environmental concerns influence the traveler’s purchasing behaviour as well as the procurement practices for corporate travel. Together with our destination partners, HSMAI is delighted to be holding this session in Singapore, Phuket and Hong Kong”, said Christine Toguchi, Managing Director of HSMAI Asia Pacific and MacroVision Network.

Key topics and driving issues addressed at the seminar will include the fact that ‘Going Green' is no longer a "nice to do" issue, but a “must do and do it now” transformation. Kilkenny will explain event planners, corporate buyers and global hotel companies are moving to greener policies and practices and incorporating stringent requirements in their vendor/supplier proposals. Furthermore, Kilkenny will make mention environmental trends and best practices within the MICE industry and the role of Corporate Social Responsibility ‘CSR' in the industry. She will also address how the ‘Power of Green' helps to protect people, the planet and profits.

Kilkenny, whose company is Successful Event Planning, has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry and is the author of “The Complete Guide to Successful Event Planning.” She has had a passion for organizing events since childhood. As an adult Kilkenny began a writing career with newsletters, articles, copy for marketing material and later writing and editing guidebooks, user manuals, and how to books. She has managed the two careers simultaneously for more than 27 years. She is familiar with multiple segments of the business and social world and has created successful business relationships with clients in the banking industry, hospitality trade, educational and non-profit organizations, professional associations, athletic clubs and the environmental community.

Kilkenny teaches event planning through classes, workshops and seminars, and by public speaking. Her latest endeavor for event planning is to help the industry create new Environmental Standards and she is in the process of writing her next book dedicated to “greening” the hospitality and event planning business.