August 26 – 29, 2012
Register now to be a part of our exclusive Smart Fam featuring the best of Vancouver, Canada.
Vancouver is one of the world’s premier meeting and convention destinations and a top delegate draw. Experience a 90-second snapshot of what you have to look forward to at Vancouver’s Smart Fam:

• Earn CEU credits with educational sessions
• Experience Vancouver, world-class accommodation and award-winning dining
• Participate in facility tours, quality education and local activities offering something for everyone

Register now so you don't miss out on learning about Vancouver, Canada.

Free to qualified planners. Meals, education,activities and accommodations included.

• 

  Mariela McIlwraith, CMP, CMM, MBA
  President, Meeting Change

  Session Description and Overview
  
  Meetings as Conservers, Creators and Catalysts
  
  In this interactive session, we'll explore three facets related to corporate social responsibility in the meetings industry:
  
  • Meetings as Conservers: We'll look at best practices for reducing a meeting's environmental footprint, including a review of newly released sustainability standards in the industry.
  • Meetings as Creators: We’ll look at how meetings and events can create positive change within their own communities of stakeholders, as well as in the communities in which they are held. The concept of "creating shared value" and the role that planners can play will also be discussed.
  • Meetings as Catalysts: We'll consider how meetings can act as catalysts for lasting action toward a more sustainable industry and environment, including influencing the supply chain and encouraging post-event sustainable actions by participants.


  
  Biography:
  
  Mariela McIlwraith specializes in business strategy, economics and corporate responsibility. She has consulted, presented, taught and written articles in the areas of marketing, corporate responsibility, ethics and pricing. She has been a planner, supplier, consultant and instructor in the meetings industry. McIlwraith completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia with a double specialization in strategic management and organizational behavior and human resources. She holds a Certification in Meeting Management (CMM) and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). She is actively involved in both the Green Meetings Industry Council and Meeting Professionals International and has held volunteer leadership roles in both organizations.
  
  McIlwraith is actively involved in community projects, including Social Entrepreneurship 101: Africa, a Sauder School of Business initiative designed to address youth unemployment and encourage the development of sustainable businesses by educating young entrepreneurs in Kenya. She has recently co-authored a book, Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Meetings and Events Industry, that will be published in the fall of 2012.