The meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector is putting more and more emphasis on sustainability as it realizes that addressing the effects on the environment and society requires a team effort. This blog explores the varied nature of sustainable practices, the current status of sustainability in the MICE business, and the significance of stakeholder engagement.
Current Evaluation of State
Although the MICE sector has made significant progress in the direction of sustainability, completely implementing sustainable practices is still difficult. Here’s a glance at the state of the industry as of right now, along with some actual examples:
- Reducing Carbon Footprint: Nowadays, a lot of businesses give top priority to locations and vendors who have excellent environmental records. For example, using green energy and effective public transit, the Vienna Convention Bureau has launched a citywide drive to lower the carbon footprint of events held in Vienna.
- Waste Management: Zero-waste strategies, which emphasize minimizing, reusing, and recycling event materials, have been adopted by events such as IMEX America. To make sure that items are disposed of or reused properly, they have cooperated with nearby waste management firms.
- Sustainable Sourcing: In order to reduce the environmental effect of transportation and to boost local economies, convention centers like the Amsterdam RAI are sourcing organic and locally grown food for their catering services.
Global Method
Sustainability in the MICE sector takes social implications into account in addition to environmental ones. A truly sustainable strategy needs to take into account the social, environmental, and economic aspects.
- Environmental Sustainability: This covers initiatives to cut back on energy use, efficiently handle waste, and minimize the carbon imprint of events. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has implemented a comprehensive sustainability programme that encompasses energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting, and solar panels.
- Social Impact: Creating beneficial effects for the community, such promoting small companies and guaranteeing ethical labor practices, is a key component of social sustainability. Local kids are trained and employed through a program managed by the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), giving them access to employment opportunities and useful skills.
- Economic Sustainability: The goal of economic sustainability is to generate long-term financial gains for all parties concerned, including small companies and local communities. Through showcasing companies that incorporate sustainable practices into their core operations, events such as the Sustainable Brands Conference work to promote economic sustainability.
Cooperation Intent
In the MICE sector, cooperation between a range of stakeholders—including event planners, vendors, locations, attendees, and local communities—is necessary to meet sustainability targets. Here are some ways that teamwork is having an effect:
- Stakeholder discussions: Continual stakeholder discussions facilitate problem identification and collaborative solution development. For example, destinations, event planners, and suppliers come together under the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) to exchange best practices and work together on sustainability projects.
- Partnerships for Innovation: Novel alliances have the potential to advance sustainability. In order to minimize waste and assist those in need, AIM Group International teamed up with Food for Good to make sure that extra food from events is donated to nearby organizations.
- Certification Programs: Organizations are encouraged to implement sustainable practices by certifications like the ISO 20121 standard for sustainable event management. The 2012 London Olympic Games achieved ISO 20121 certification, demonstrating the effective application of sustainable event principles on a broad scale.
Setting the Standard for Sustainable Practices with LeviaMICE
The role that LeviaMICE has played in the MICE business is a noteworthy example of innovation in sustainability. Through digitalization, this platform has made a substantial contribution to lessening the environmental impact of events. Paper printing is no longer necessary because to LeviaMICE’s transition to digital marketing and communication solutions. With the availability of digital versions of event brochures, tickets, timetables, and promotional materials, paper waste and the carbon footprint of printing and distribution have been reduced. In addition to saving resources, this simplifies the planning process and increases its effectiveness and environmental friendliness. With these initiatives, LeviaMICE sets the bar high for others to follow in terms of how technology may be used to advance sustainability in the MICE sector.
In summary
A pivotal point has been reached in the MICE sector’s transition to sustainability. Even with the tremendous advancements, there are still obstacles in the way of completely incorporating sustainable methods. It is crucial to take a holistic strategy that takes into account the effects on the environment, society, and economy. The MICE business can only overcome these obstacles and build a sustainable future through cooperative efforts and stakeholder interactions.
The industry may lessen its environmental impact and generate positive social and economic effects by implementing and supporting sustainable practices. This will ultimately result in more resilient and responsible event planning and execution.
