The Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association will present a dynamic sustainability conference on November 10, 2016 at the Orleans Hotel and Casino. Leading industry experts will present best practices, cost-saving measures and the latest trends in sustainability.

Join us for a dynamic day learning from the pros about hotel sustainability programs, best practices, and valuable resources.

Jennifer Lynn, Senior Director of Spa at Mandarin Oriental, will be the emcee for the conference. She oversees the sustainable program at her property.

Jennifer serves on the NHLA Sustainability committee and is an active member. Jennifer has been instrumental in assisting in developing and preparing this informative and exciting conference.

About our Sustainability Guest Presenters

Morning sessions will include guest presenters from the EPA, Southern Nevada Water Authority, Republic Services, and Verdek EV and CNG Solutions, and The Combs Brothers.

A panel discussion will follow the presentations. Andy Ginsburg, Director of Public Space at Aria, will moderate the panel participation segment.

Andy is the Chairperson for the 2016-2017 NHLA Sustainability Committee. He has introduced many innovative ideas for implementing and improving best practices at hotels and companies.

Guest presenter Wendi Shafir, US Environmental Protection Agency Pacific Southwest Region, is an environmental engineer by training. Wendi is also a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional with experience in green building.

Doug Bennett has nearly three decades’ professional experience relating to water management. As the Conservation Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority in Las Vegas, Nevada, he oversees one of the most comprehensive water conservation programs in the United States.

James Combs, along with his brother, oversees servicing the hospitality industry with onsite source separation of recyclables. “Design for Recycling” is one of the many services provided by Combs Brothers, LLC. Having worked on most of the docks in Las Vegas, the Combs brothers have first-hand knowledge of how a recycling dock should be designed to facilitate recycling activities.

Verdek’s Rudy Garcia is a corporate management professional with over 30 years of experience in corporate sales and marketing management, information technologies, lean management, business logistics/operations, and clean energy solutions for fleets, and is known as a sustainable transportation solutions expert.

David Sharp is an energetic advocate for sustainability and a professional solution provider using state-of-the-art technologies. Mr. Sharp has held consultative positions with a number of companies offering sustainable products and services to include LEED Engineering Cost/ROI Analysis, Green Home Construction, Lighting, HVAC, Electric Vehicle Charging, and other methods that promote efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Len Christopher is the General Manager of recycling for Republic Services of Southern Nevada overseeing all recycling facility operations across the division. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Christopher has developed the systems, recycling processes, strategies and capabilities to make Republic Services the most successful recycling company in Southern Nevada. Christopher was instrumental in the development of the largest residential recycling center and learning center in North America here in Southern Nevada.

MGM Keynote Presentation at Luncheon

A luncheon will follow the morning session. Keynote guest speaker Henry Shields is the Executive Director of Finance and Analysis for the Corporate Sustainability Division of MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas. The Division was created by MGM for the purpose of elevating environmental responsibility to the level of a core company principal. In his present position, Henry provides analytical oversight and support for all Division initiatives. This includes the evaluation of strategies and tactics to deploy resources and reduce the environmental impact of company operations. Henry also manages elements of the company’s energy procurement including utility relations and the regulatory environment.

Reserve a vendor table now

Industry vendors will also be on hand to display the newest and best sustainable products and services for hotels and businesses. Reserve a vendor table now; price includes the conference and lunch attendance.