New in 2009 we are including Travel Green Practices on our website. www.ExploreMinnesota.com. The following definitions are suggestions and ideas only for help in filling out your attractions and accommodations surveys; other practices may fit well into a category. The open-ended text box allows you to provide an additional short description, as you see fit.

Waste reduction/Reuse/Recycling: recycling program, recycling baskets, donate older materials, buy recycled products, return vendor packing materials, discontinue use of polystyrene foam and non-recyclable plastic products, reuse building materials, store chemicals safely, composting.

Water conservation/Wastewater Mgmt Plan: waterless cleaning of large areas, use a water plan, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, drought-tolerant vegetation, use rainwater, reclaimed water system, dispose of chemicals properly, automatic run-off water taps.

Energy efficiency/conservation: compact bulbs, energy star, lighting sensors, use of daylight/solar, LED exit signs, energy management system, window film, insulated window coverings, efficient pumps, renewable energy, energy audit.

Air quality improvements: well-ventilated areas, do not leave vehicles idling, encourage public transportation, clean air handlers & coils, check HVAC annually, use HEPA filters, test air periodically, environmentally responsible cleaning, fume-free products, use low VOC materials.

Eco-friendly landscape & facility design: minimize water evaporation, design reflects surroundings, watch wildlife from a distance, control noise levels, native vegetation, promote leave-no-trace, integrated pest management, residual pesticides, drought-tolerant vegetation, rainwater collection, calibrated irrigation controls, install rain sensors to irrigation systems, control hardscape runoff.

Transportation-related policies or programs: use of flex-fuel, electric or hybrid vehicles by facility and/or promoted through discounts or priority parking, shuttle services, promote or provide public or alternative transportation, do not leave vehicles idling, priority parking for carpools, provide bike lockers or storage.

Eco-friendly purchasing practices: prefer durable equipment, purchase local products, purchase reusable products, use recycled paper products, prefer low-toxicity products, minimal packaging.

Organic or local food & beverage choices: purchase products from local farmers or companies, offer organic selections (e.g., produced without pesticides or fertilizers), natural products.

Minnesota Explorer Edition Due date

2009 Fall: May 15, 2009

2009/10 Winter: August 28, 2009

2010 Spring/Summer: November 20, 2009

Dates are subject to change. Be sure to watch your email and mail for our reminders.

Criteria for Inclusion

GOAL OF CRITERIA: Promote Minnesota festivals and events that have potential for generating overnight travel in Minnesota.

Dates for inclusion of events

Events to be included in the calendar:

• Festivals and other events that are primarily entertaining or recreational in nature, that are likely to be of interest to a broad number of travelers.
• Arts and entertainment events, including: art exhibits, professional dance concerts, music concerts (primarily professional), theater performances (primarily professional), special exhibits (usually at historic museums or similar sites), Omnimax films and film festivals.
• Sports events designed to draw out-of-town participants, such as: major bike rides and events, major fishing tournaments, golf tournaments, major motor races, marathons, major running and walking events, professional team sports, and U of M sports. Sports events that are part of community festivals will not be listed separately under sports.

LIMITATIONS:

• Historic sites, museums and many other attractions regularly schedule special events on many or most weekends throughout the year. Space won’t permit including all these events. Limit: 3 events per major site per season, maximum; 1 event for minor site. (print edition only)
• No theater performances without specific play named.
• Many arts groups (such as orchestras) have numerous performances, beyond our space limits. Limit: 5 arts performances/performance series per group. (print edition only)
• Calendar entries must be submitted on EMT calendar survey form or updated on the extranet website (http://extranet.exploreminnesota.com).

EVENTS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CALENDAR:

• Trade, consumer, club, hobby or collectors’ shows. (Exceptions: antique shows deemed large or varied enough to draw out-of-town visitors; sports & travel shows promoting Minnesota travel.)
• Craft sales, except major, juried shows drawing regional handcrafters or craft shows that are part of a larger community festival and are listed in the description of the event. (While craft sales are popular, hundreds of church, school, holiday, benefit, and other local sales are held throughout the state, and including them would swell the calendar’s size.) Shopping center events, except major events at the Mall of America–a significant travel destination.
• Meals (dinners, breakfasts, etc) except those mentioned in description of a larger event.
• Flea markets, swap meets, sidewalk sales or crazy days. (Simply too many to include.)
• Lectures, slide shows, conferences or other educational events.
• Events longer than 3 weeks. (Exceptions: Renaissance Festival, Sommerfest)
• Style shows.
• Private home tours.
• Club events.
• Retreats requiring at stay at a lodging facility, or requiring reservations.
• Ongoing activities with no specific dates.
• Church fairs or bazaars.
• Religious services.
• Season opening dates of attractions.
• Civic events.
• Events directed toward very specific audience (example: trail rides, for those who own their own horses; town reunions).
• Events that require advance reservations (except for arts or sports events).
• In general, events with limited appeal.

This criteria is subject to change.