Understanding the Role of Local Food in the Meeting Industry: An Exploratory Study of Meeting Planners' Perception of Local Food in Sustainable Meeting Planning |
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Authors: | Seungwon “Shawn” Lee Sue Slocum |
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Institution: | 1. Tourism and Event Management, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginiaslz@gmu.edu;3. Tourism and Event Management, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia |
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Abstract: | The growth in socially conscious and sustainable business models has fueled the promotion of green meetings. This fact-finding article explores the viability of sourcing local food to the meeting industry through an investigation of current meeting planning priorities and sustainability values. The results show that there is a viable demand by meeting planners for locally sourced food, that meeting planners have the contractual flexibility on food selection, and that there is a willingness to pay a price-premium for local products. However, an increase in the knowledge of the benefits for both meeting planners and meeting/event attendees is needed to encourage the use of local foods. |
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Keywords: | local food meeting planning sustainability meeting planner site selection |
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