Inspiration Hub

Over the past decade, the term sustainability has caught on in event venues, meeting rooms and office environments. A growing number of associations and corporations are integrating sustainability into their operations including their events, and although some might argue that the concept has reached the mainstream, there are plenty of opportunities abound for implementation.

The Global Destination Sustainability Index has released its second annual ranking of 40 meeting and events cities. The index rates cities on convention bureau strategy and initiatives, social sustainability performance, industry supplier support (including hotels and restaurants), and environmental strategy and infrastructure. The GDS Index is a collaborative partnership between the International Congress and Conventions Association, European Cities Marketing, IMEX Group, and MCI Group.

Community building is a multidimensional process, which aims at maintaining and improving the well-being of individuals, communities, and society as a whole. In our industry, bringing people together under one roof for attending a type of event is one thing, but does not attribute wholly to the concept of ‘building a community’. Meetings and events are the means of sharing strong experiences, ideas, concepts, and actions, tying like-minded attendees together.

Can sustainability really be cool? You bet! There are cool trends in sustainable events emerging daily as our industry sees a shift to experiential gatherings. The request by attendees to be actively participating in events as a learning tool makes this a perfect opportunity to participate in green meeting initiatives as well. The heightened awareness that events should include mindfulness, wellness, and healthy options is good for the mind, body and the planet. We are all learning from each other, building on one great idea after another at an astounding rate.

It’s amazing to reflect that we started our sustainability journey over 10 years ago. Since then, the world has changed significantly, and aside from an increasingly isolated American President, the world’s governments’ and businesses are united in the need to tackle climate change, environmental degradation and social challenges head on. But what has changed for MCI and what lessons have we learnt in the past decade?

Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, have been around for a while now. You’ve probably been using them on your Christmas tree for years, and most new automobile headlights are LED. Though they aren’t new, they are still affecting the theatrical lighting world in a big way—but their usefulness doesn’t stop there. If you have a stage to light up, a ballroom desperate for pretty colors on the walls, or you want to have different looks for different parts of your show, LEDs are the answer.

Travel policy is an impactful way to move toward more sustainable practices for meetings and business travel—and there’s plenty of room for improvement, according to a survey of travel management pros by the Global Business Travel Association Foundation in conjunction with AIG Travel.

We now know the landscape of sustainable events is constantly shifting, improving, and growing. Our experience has taught us some green meeting practices are simply better at addressing negative impacts or creating benefit than others.

Do you need to do a site inspection for an event you are planning or managing? Are you unable to go in person? Have you considered a virtual site inspection?

In the age of deep digital resources a meeting professional and hosting organization can accomplish most of the preliminary inquiry process for property suitability by simply visiting a venue’s website.

These 10 practical, easy-to-implement suggestions from U.K.-based not-for-profit Positive Impact  can help your organization reduce the carbon footprint of its events and inspire attendees to take the message to their organizations. Positive Impact, launched in 2005, provides sustainability education for the events industry.

A radical shift in global consumer attitude is underway – the rise of the conscious consumer. Today’s events must evolve with them. How can you innovate your events with purpose to build brand love and loyalty for your clients?

People no longer want just products or services – they want authentic experiences with a deeper purpose. Experiences that reflect our values.

The best, most competitive brands in our world today increasingly gravitate toward greater social purpose, sustainability and a net positive impact. They want us to get outdoors instead of shop Black Friday. Or celebrate our imperfect bodies as our real beauty.

This list of team-building activities will come in handy for your corporate events, including ones for remote and virtual teams.