We asked several meeting professionals—including several members of the MPI Sustainability Advisory Council—the following question: “Tell us about a sustainability success story you experienced or learned about this year.”
They shared insights about ISO 20121 certification, reducing waste with a gifting suite, employing the use of reusable cups and partnering with stakeholders to protect the environment.
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“This year, we achieved ISO 20121 certification for our Madrid theatres, ensuring sustainable practices at all our events, with plans to expand across our European Stage Entertainment venues. We’re also implementing data-driven carbon footprint measurements, enabling us to pinpoint actions to reduce emissions effectively.”
Robbert Weddepohl
Group Director Venues, Stage Entertainment
Board Liaison, MPI Sustainability Advisory Council
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“This might be a very small thing, but I was really impressed by the use of reusable ceramic coffee mugs at the European Convention Center Luxembourg for MPI’s European Meetings & Events Conference (EMEC). It’s a small thing that not only is sustainable, but also is a more cozy and welcoming feeling than a disposable coffee cup. These small things add up at large scale.”
Hayley Landingham
Event Program Manager - Americas Partner Community, Cisco
MPI Sustainability Advisory Council
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“The Bávaro Reefs Foundation works together with the Ministry of Environment of the Dominican Republic at the third-biggest coral garden in the country, with a coral museum located in Bibijagua beach, Punta Cana. Our foundation protects the marine ecosystem and biodiversity in the Bávaro area with a turtle protection program for the largest congregation of green turtles in the Dominican Republic.
What we experienced this year was the first outcome of all our efforts to commit local companies to the environment. We partnered with TUI Care Foundation and recently organized a sustainable activity for Earth Day together with our SITE Florida & Caribbean chapter.
This has been a powerful incentive for other companies to realize the industry is leaning towards sustainability and to commit to the fragile marine ecosystem that is threatened here in the Punta Cana tourist area. We achieved international visibility with European agencies showcasing our foundation project and received interested stakeholders that want to join the project I carefully started with passion back in 2016.
There has been a long journey, but I’m confident that the outcomes will show for environmental protection.
Fernando Sánchez
President & CEO, Bávaro Reefs Foundation
MPI Sustainability Advisory Council
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“Advancing sustainable event management with ISO 20121:2024.
The primary objective of updating the ISO 20121:2024 Sustainable Event Management System Standard is to elevate the sustainability practices within the events industry, ensuring that events are managed to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing social and economic benefits. By aligning with this standard, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, foster stakeholder trust and proactively contribute to global efforts in sustainable development and combating climate change.
The rapid update of the ISO 20121:2024 standard was achieved through a collaborative approach that engaged diverse stakeholders, including industry experts, event organizers and sustainability advocates. This process involved the following.
1. Stakeholder engagement: Conducting workshops and consultations to gather insights and feedback from various sectors within the events industry.
2. Agile methodology: Implementing an agile project management framework that allowed for iterative development and quick adjustments based on stakeholder input.
3. Research and benchmarking: Analysing best practices and emerging trends in sustainable event management to ensure the updated standard reflects current and future needs.
4. Technology utilization: Leveraging digital tools for collaboration and communication, which facilitated real-time updates and streamlined the review process.
Being a member of Britain's National Standards Body Technical Committee brings new meaning to the expression “being part of a cause greater than oneself.”
The successful update of the ISO 20121:2024 standard was completed in record time—one year instead of three years, resulting in a comprehensive framework that provides clear, holistic guidance for sustainable event management systems. Key outcomes include the following.
- A more robust and relevant universal standard addressing contemporary sustainability challenges.
- Enhanced clarity and usability for small and medium enterprises seeking certification.
- Increased awareness and adoption of standardized sustainable practices across the events industry.
This expedited update positions the ISO 20121:2024 standard as a leading reference for sustainable event management and reinforces the events industry's commitment to sustainability, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.
Troy Reynolds, CMP, EMD, SEPC, AIEMA
Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Imaginneurs
Chair, MPI Sustainability Advisory Council
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“Arranging gifting suites for all levels of the event/program. Usually, you think of a gifting suite in conjunction with a high-end incentive program or C-suite-level event, but it can be scaled for any level—it’s about the items selected and the perceived value to the attendee. With the gifting suite, attendees can select the gifts they want from a selection of options. This way there is less chance they are left in the hotel room or discarded along the way. It helps budgets and reduces waste. And if you don’t customize every item, you can work with our vendor to see if the unused portion can be returned to the factory for a credit.”
Anonymous corporate event planner passionate about sustainability
