WHAT: More than 300 hotel developers, architects, and designers will explore the challenges and opportunities of developing, converting and operating a "green" hotel or mixed use development during the "Green" Hotel Developers Conference, sponsored by UNLV's Harrah Hotel College and the Law Firm of Jeffer, Mangels, Butler and Marmoro (JMBM).

Panel discussions will be lead by industry experts from some of the top hospitality brands in the world, including MGM Mirage, Marriot International, Hilton Hotels and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, to name a few. Panelists will examine issues related to LEED qualifications, "green" technologies and products, effects of climate change regulations, alternative energy sources, and consumer demands, among others.

Dan Esty, Hillhouse Professor of Environmental Law and Policy at Yale University, will present the keynote speech March 12 at 9 a.m. Esty is the author of "Green to Gold - How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage."

WHEN: March 12-13, 2008, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Green Valley Ranch Resort, 2300 Paseo Verde Drive, Henderson, NV.

NOTE: Media interested in attending the conference and interviewing specific panelists should contact Gian Galassi at (702) 895-3104.