A somewhat belated post, due to go out a while back, just before my whole fragile  and IT world collapsed with a broken laptop that groung to a most horribly halt. After the painful task of recovering the bits, here I am, determined to write this blog and many more, with ruthless efficiency…hopefully! I was attending the Destinations Expo a couple of weeks ago at the CTICC. Not the most riveting of shows, but everything has to start somewhere and who knows, in 3 years time it might be 3 times the size and buzzing. Nonetheless, it was as always a good chance to experience the CTICC in all its glory. A sunny 30 degrees summer’s day showed the CTICC at its best, especially for the many high profile international delegates attending the UNEP FI (United Nations Environment Programme Financial Initiative), which was on concurrently at the convention centre. During my time there, I bumped into a few suits that I knew (surprisingly) and after chatting to them about the goings on at these meetings, it would seem that the big banks and other financial institutions are really waking up to the fact that sustainability on all fronts (especially in big business) is crucial. And actions have to be taken asap.

In the main communal area of the conference was the “Consider Us” washing line, showcasing the “Save our world in 20 words” campaign, highlighting the plight of Earth from a children’s perspective. They are taking this to the UN Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen soon. See: www.considerus.org Have a look at the TV ad: powerful stuff.

The CTICC itself was very impressive and has really taken a lot of responsibility in its green policy, offering many green conferencing packages. Its low key, no nonsense approach, good looks and sleek design uses much natural light, has trees planted inside the actual venue and other such innovative ideas. All this and more make it a state of the art conferencing venue by world standards, perfectly able to host the likes of high calibre meetings such as the UNEP FI Roundtable. No wonder it is booked up week in and week out for next couple of years. The huge red sculpture outside the new office wing of the CTICC was also quite mesmerizing, inspired by the rift valley in Africa. See pics from both sides.