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Events Industry Council Recognizes Oregon Convention Center for Achieving Certification for Sustainability

Written by Erin Boudreau | Jan 21, 2025 7:09:31 PM

Portland venue certified at the PLATINUM Level of global standards for environmental and social responsibility

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 21, 2025) – The Events Industry Council is pleased to announce that the Oregon Convention Center, a premier Pacific Northwest event venue owned and operated by Metro and managed through the Metropolitan Exposition Recreation Commission, has achieved PLATINUM level certification to the EIC Sustainable Event Standards, the highest possible certification. The standards provide event planners and suppliers with prescriptive actions for producing and delivering sustainable events. 

 

“We are thrilled to achieve Platinum level certification to the EIC Sustainable Event Standards,” said Cindy Wallace, Executive Director, Oregon Convention Center. “This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and continuing to serve as a hub for meaningful events that leave a positive legacy for our community and the planet.”

 

The EIC Sustainable Event Standards were created through a global collaborative process with participation from subject matter experts in all sectors. They provide a framework for collaboration and a strong focus on guidance and metrics so that event professionals at all stages of their sustainability journey have the support needed to implement and measure sustainable practices. The standards specify performance criteria in the areas of organizational management, marketing, communications and engagement, climate action, water management, materials and circularity, supply chain management, diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility and social impact. To date, more than 300 professionals have participated in the review of the standards. The venue standard is one of several comprehensive standards for environmentally sustainable events.

 

“The Oregon Convention Center’s achievement exemplifies what is possible when venues prioritise sustainability at the highest level,” said Amy Calvert, president and CEO of the Events Industry Council. “Their dedication to integrating environmental and social responsibility into their operations is not only commendable but essential in setting a benchmark for our industry. By adopting the EIC Sustainable Event Standards, they demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can lead to meaningful, measurable change.”

 

The Alliance for Audited Media, a not-for-profit auditing organisation, performed the independent third-party certification of the Oregon Convention Center’s compliance with the venue standard.

 

"AAM’s certification of the Oregon Convention Center to the highest level of the EIC Sustainable Event Standards underscores their remarkable commitment to transparency, accountability and sustainability,” said Richard Murphy, CEO, president and managing director, Alliance for Audited Media.

 

Contact:

For all EIC media enquiries, additional comment and request for interviews, please contact Steve Dobbins, Events Industry Council.

Tel: +1 323 578 2671 / Email: media@eventscouncil.org 

 

ABOUT EVENTS INDUSTRY COUNCIL

The Events Industry Council’s global federation includes 33 Association Members representing 103,500 individuals and 19,500 entities, and more than 30 Corporate Members and Strategic Partners with global operations and event teams in countries around the world. 

EIC is the global champion for event professionals and event industry excellence. It promotes high standards and professionalism in the events industry with the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) programme and signature programme activities. The CMP credential is recognised globally as the badge of excellence in the events industry. The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education and a rigorous exam. Learn more at www.eventscouncil.org.

 

ABOUT THE OREGON CONVENTION CENTER

The Oregon Convention Center is a premier gathering place in the Pacific Northwest, showcasing the Portland experience and contributing to the regional economy. OCC has been a sustainability pioneer, earning LEED Platinum® certification and recognition from the Events Industry Council for our commitment to green practices. We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all decision-making, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. From hosting innovative events and fostering human connection to advancing equitable outcomes and sustainability initiatives, OCC is where ideas flourish, culture is shared, and communities thrive.

 

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE FOR AUDITED MEDIA

As the largest not-for-profit media assurance organization, the Alliance for Audited Media delivers impartial, credible data to help media buyers buy and sellers sell. AAM works alongside the media and advertising industry to establish standards that can be verified independently, ensuring the legitimacy of the businesses that drive media's progress. AAM also provides verification for compliance programs including brand safety, privacy, sustainability and tech assurance. Learn more at auditedmedia.com.