Sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are core aspects of a seasoned meeting program and impactful events. Most organizations have defined sustainability plans, however budget constraints and rising costs may limit resources to deliver on expectations.
Sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are core aspects of a seasoned meeting program and impactful events. Most organizations have defined sustainability plans, however budget constraints and rising costs may limit resources to deliver on expectations.
Meetings and events are a key platform to showcase your company’s values. Today’s audiences prioritize sustainability: simple issues like food waste or disposable plastics can negatively impact perceptions. Designing your events to reflect these values, incorporating sustainability, DE&I, and wellbeing, will help you broaden your audience, enhance engagement, and strengthen your brand identity.
Eloisa Urrutia Head of Global Sustainability, Amex GBT Meetings & Events
Meetings and events are a key platform to showcase your company’s values. Today’s audiences prioritize sustainability: simple issues like food waste or disposable plastics can negatively impact perceptions. Designing your events to reflect these values, incorporating sustainability, DE&I, and wellbeing, will help you broaden your audience, enhance engagement, and strengthen your brand identity.
Eloisa Urrutia Head of Global Sustainability, Amex GBT Meetings & Events
Acting on sustainability plans
Nearly half of meeting professionals have implemented a sustainable meetings and events policy. Our survey shows they’re making progress in delivering sustainability plans, with DE&I practices, waste management and sustainable food and beverage options all being addressed.
Overcoming challenges
Finding suppliers and locations that can support meeting professionals’ sustainability goals are common challenges. Many meeting professionals are taking advantage of their travel management company (TMC) to help them overcome those issues and support long-term sustainability plans.
Opportunities to advance DE&I priorities
Most meeting professionals (86%) have already acted on DE&I best practices or have plans to do so. Yet, more can be done to make meetings a diverse and inclusive experience for all attendees, and meeting professionals are working on improvements.
We’re seeing a lot of requests for enhanced accessibility and inclusion services. Stakeholders are more cognizant of the diverse needs and backgrounds of their attendees and look at broadening participation, bringing more voices to the table, thus making events richer and more innovative.
Jennifer Nelson Head of Strategic Meetings, Amex GBT Meetings & Events
Acting on sustainability plans
Nearly half of meeting professionals have implemented a sustainable meetings and events policy. Our survey shows they’re making progress in delivering sustainability plans, with DE&I practices, waste management and sustainable food and beverage options all being addressed.
Overcoming challenges
Finding suppliers and locations that can support meeting professionals’ sustainability goals are common challenges. Many meeting professionals are taking advantage of their travel management company (TMC) to help them overcome those issues and support long-term sustainability plans.
Opportunities to advance DE&I priorities
Most meeting professionals (86%) have already acted on DE&I best practices or have plans to do so. Yet, more can be done to make meetings a diverse and inclusive experience for all attendees, and meeting professionals are working on improvements.
We’re seeing a lot of requests for enhanced accessibility and inclusion services. Stakeholders are more cognizant of the diverse needs and backgrounds of their attendees and look at broadening participation, bringing more voices to the table, thus making events richer and more innovative.
Jennifer Nelson Head of Strategic Meetings, Amex GBT Meetings & Events
Our view
Our industry increasingly recognizes the need to make meetings and events more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive. The shift not only expands audience reach but also significantly elevates brand and attendee engagement, aligning meetings and events with corporate sustainability and DE&I goals. Attendees now expect a genuine commitment to these principles, and companies face the challenge of translating good intentions into action.
Focusing on high-impact areas during sourcing and planning has become the new norm. Addressing top priorities such as travel emissions, sustainable venues, waste management, food and beverage, accessibility, and diverse content is essential. Measurement and reporting are crucial, and policies help engage internal stakeholders. Ultimately, sustainability leads to more impactful and value-aligned events.
Our view
Our industry increasingly recognizes the need to make meetings and events more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive. The shift not only expands audience reach but also significantly elevates brand and attendee engagement, aligning meetings and events with corporate sustainability and DE&I goals. Attendees now expect a genuine commitment to these principles, and companies face the challenge of translating good intentions into action.
Focusing on high-impact areas during sourcing and planning has become the new norm. Addressing top priorities such as travel emissions, sustainable venues, waste management, food and beverage, accessibility, and diverse content is essential. Measurement and reporting are crucial, and policies help engage internal stakeholders. Ultimately, sustainability leads to more impactful and value-aligned events.
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