| Description |
Sustainability programs are growing in importance to convention centers; however, development and the implementation of these programs is challenging. Some argue that employees are the linchpin to successful sustainability programs. This dissertation sought to understand employee perceptions of the development, implementation, and challenges of convention center sustainability programs. This dissertation also inquired about the role of the employee in the planning and implementation of convention center sustainability programs. Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory was used as a conceptual framework for this investigation. This qualitative multiple instrumental case study assessed trends across three Tier I and II U.S. convention centers (containing at least 350,000 square feet of exhibit space) participating in sustainable certification programs. Results suggest many factors contribute to the successful development and implementation of sustainable certification programs in convention centers. Even though convention center sustainability certification programs focused on environmental sustainability, the actions of the convention centers also demonstrated engagement in economic, social, and institutional sustainability practices. Results demonstrated how employees viewed and engaged in convention center sustainability programs. Findings support three characteristics recommended to further develop sustainability in the hospitality industry (1) Stakeholder buy-in; (2) A simple, consistent, relatable definition of sustainability, (3) Positive perceptions and value creations of sustainability for businesses and consumers. Successful development and implementation of convention center sustainability programs should take a systems-focused approach. This research can help them do so; it uses CAS theory to understand convention center sustainability programs and makes specific recommendations on how convention center systems can work together towards enhanced program implementation. Second, there is a need for the convention center industry to broaden their sustainability definitions to include the environmental, social, economic, and institutional aspects of sustainability systems. The dissertation also uncovered unique challenges to convention center sustainability programs including, center size, unions, contract workers, vendors, operations, program costs, understandings of key stakeholders, and definitions of sustainability impact convention center sustainability programs. |
