As members of MPI, we understand the profound impact that our industry can have on the world. Our slogan, “When we meet, we change the world,” is a testament to the transformative power of our gatherings. However, to truly embody this mantra, we must embrace sustainability in all aspects of our work. This article explores the critical role of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in our industry and the evolving expectations of our delegates and visitors. Sustainability is not a trend—it is an imperative that requires immediate and sustained action.

MPI Sustainability Advisory Council

The MPI Sustainability Council is dedicated to leveraging the diverse expertise and perspectives of its members to advance sustainable practices within MPI and the broader live events industry. Their objective is to provide informed recommendations that focus on environmental and social responsibility initiatives, ensuring that sustainability is woven into the fabric of every event. The council offers guidance on a range of issues, from reducing environmental impact to enhancing social equity, and shares key information and resources to foster sustainability across all operations. 

By supporting and enhancing MPI’s initiatives, the council raises awareness around sustainability, advising on content and actions that reflect the values of our community and industry. Their efforts include facilitating the implementation of the ISO 20121:2024 Sustainable Event Management Standard and advising on the EIC Sustainable Event Organizer Standard Certification. Additionally, the council tracks event sustainability trends and developments, aids the development of a Sustainable Events Resource Gateway and supports sustainability education and awareness campaigns. Collaboration with MPI’s strategic alliances and partners ensures a united and comprehensive approach to promoting sustainability in the events industry.

Through these initiatives, the MPI Sustainability Advisory Council exemplifies how we, as an industry, can meet the evolving expectations of our delegates and visitors, proving that when we meet, we truly can change the world.

The Environmental Imperative

The environmental footprint of meetings, events and conferences is significant. From the carbon emissions associated with travel to the waste generated by single-use materials, our industry has a substantial impact on the planet. As professionals, we have a responsibility to mitigate these effects through sustainable practices. 

1. Carbon footprint reduction: Implementing strategies to reduce carbon emissions is essential. This can include selecting venues that prioritize energy efficiency, encouraging the use of public transportation and leveraging virtual and hybrid event technologies to minimize travel.
   
2. Waste management: Reducing, reusing and recycling should be standard practices. Opt for digital materials over printed ones, use reusable or compostable service ware and ensure that proper waste sorting facilities are available and used.
   
3. Sustainable sourcing: Choose suppliers and vendors that adhere to sustainable practices. This includes everything from food and beverage providers who source locally and ethically to decorators who use environmentally friendly materials.
   

The Social Dimension

Beyond environmental considerations, the social aspect of sustainability is equally crucial. Our industry must strive to be inclusive, equitable and supportive of the communities in which we operate.

1. Diversity and inclusion: Commit to diversity in speaker lineups, panelists and attendees. Create environments where all voices are heard and respected and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. 
2. Community engagement: Engage with local communities in meaningful ways. This can include using local suppliers, involving community members in event planning and organizing community service activities as part of the event.
   
3. Employee welfare: Ensure fair labor practices and provide support for the well-being of all staff involved in the event, from organizers to onsite personnel.

Governance and Ethical Conduct

Good governance and ethical conduct form the backbone of sustainable practices. As leaders in the meetings and events industry, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and transparency.

1. Transparent reporting: Regularly report on sustainability metrics and progress. This includes carbon footprints, waste management statistics and social impact assessments.
   
2. Ethical partnerships: Partner with organizations and suppliers that share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Perform due diligence to ensure these partners adhere to ESG principles.
   
3. Continuous improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement and learning. Stay informed about best practices in sustainability and be willing to adapt and innovate to meet evolving standards and expectations.
   

ESG Legislation in Europe and Its Influence on the Meeting and Event Industry

The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) represents a significant shift in ESG legislation, mandating comprehensive sustainability reporting for a broad range of companies. This directive requires organizations to disclose detailed information on their ESG impacts, pushing for greater transparency and accountability. The meeting and event industry, deeply intertwined with these corporate entities, will inevitably be influenced by these regulations. Event organizers and planners must align with the sustainability expectations of their clients, who are now under increased scrutiny to report their ESG performance.

The CSRD’s emphasis on environmental sustainability, social responsibility and governance practices means that event professionals need to integrate these principles into their operations more robustly. This includes adopting sustainable practices such as reducing carbon footprints, ensuring diversity and inclusion and maintaining ethical partnerships. By adhering to these standards, our meeting and event industry can not only comply with the CSRD but also drive positive change, aligning with broader corporate sustainability goals and enhancing our reputation as responsible and forward-thinking professionals.

“Change is needed, and it starts with us. Let us commit to making sustainability a cornerstone of our industry, proving that when we meet, we truly can change the world.”

Industry Standards and Certifications

To ensure that our sustainability efforts are aligned with global best practices, it is essential to adhere to recognized standards and pursue relevant certifications.

1. Event Industry Council Sustainability Standards: The Event Industry Council (EIC) has developed comprehensive sustainability standards that provide a framework for sustainable event management. These standards cover a wide range of areas, including event planning, communications and operations. Adhering to these standards ensures that our events are environmentally responsible, socially equitable and economically viable.
   
2. ISO 20121 Certification: ISO 20121 is an international standard for sustainable event management. It provides a practical framework for identifying and addressing the negative social, economic and environmental impacts of events. Achieving ISO 20121 certification demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement.
   
3. MPI resources: The MPI website offers a wealth of resources on sustainability, including best practices, case studies and educational materials. Utilizing these resources can help us stay informed and implement effective sustainability strategies.
   
4. MPI Going Local certificate program: The Going Local certificate course is designed for meeting planners who intend to meet the needs and desires of their attendees who want to learn more or incorporate elements from the destinations where their meetings take place. It is ideal for organizations involved in hosting, organizing or planning a meeting or event for themselves or others. Going Local is applicable to any organizational meeting from board meetings and training sessions to annual conferences and global conventions. 
5. MPI Event Wellness Design: When designing an event, attendee safety is always top of mind, but taking safety to the next level and focusing on attendee wellness is the next step in industry recovery. Stop planning standalone activations and start envisioning wellness as a fundamental component of your event design.
   
6. MPI Inclusive Event Strategist: Through MPI’s Inclusive Event Strategist certificate program, you’ll discover how to keep a strategy of inclusion at the center of your event’s design and execution. You’ll explore the dimensions of diversity and learn best practices that ensure the engagement of all event participants. You’ll learn to adopt your role as an “inclusion broker” for the diverse groups you represent and focus on practical actions that result in inclusive event programs and environments.
   

Meeting the Evolving Expectations

Delegates and visitors are increasingly aware of and concerned about sustainability. They expect the events they attend to reflect their values and contribute positively to the world. Our industry must respond to these expectations by integrating ESG principles into the very fabric of our operations.

Communication and education: Clearly communicate your sustainability initiatives to attendees. Educate them on how they can contribute, such as by reducing waste or participating in carbon offset programs.

Feedback mechanisms: Implement feedback systems to understand attendee concerns and expectations regarding sustainability. Use this feedback to continuously improve your practices.

Innovation and leadership: Lead by example. Innovate in areas such as sustainable event technology, green venue design and socially responsible programming. Inspire others in the industry to follow suit.

Conclusion

As MPI members, we have the power to change the world through the meetings and events we organize. Embracing sustainability in our practices is not just a moral obligation but a necessity for the future of our planet and society. By integrating robust ESG principles into our operations and adhering to established standards like those from the Event Industry Council and ISO 20121, we can meet the evolving expectations of our delegates and visitors, ensuring that our industry remains vibrant, relevant and responsible.

Change is needed, and it starts with us. Let us commit to making sustainability a cornerstone of our industry, proving that when we meet, we truly can change the world.

To further support our sustainability efforts, the MPI Academy provides essential training through courses such as the Sustainable Meeting Professional (SMP) and the Sustainable Event Strategist, which teach compliance with ISO 20121. Additionally, MPI hosts valuable webinars and virtual Q&A sessions, including a special webinar/virtual Q&A session with the Sustainability Advisory Council offering insights into the latest sustainability trends and best practices that you can watch on demand.