Sharing my thoughts on sustainable meetings that were recently published by TrainingAid (link below) as part of an expert panel exploring how meetings and events can create lasting benefits. It's time for everyone to switch to sustainable practices and responsible travel!
About Team Spirit Thailand: We focus on designing sustainable events that do more than just minimise harm. Our approach is to create net-positive events that improve the community and natural environment, setting a standard for others to follow when creating personalised student travel programs, training retreats, exhibitions, corporate team-building incentives, conference designs, and business meetings. Learn more at teamspiritthailand.com
Embedding Sustainable Values
For today’s forward-thinking organisations, creating net-positive meetings and events is essential. Team Spirit Thailand emphasises:
• Prioritising local SME supply chains.
• Involving communities.
• Embracing digital innovations.
• Supporting secondary destinations.
• Ensuring all decisions align with sustainability principles.
Enriching Experiences
Meaningful experiences are the foundation of successful events. In the context of net-positive gatherings, they offer a deeper level of engagement and significance. To transform a standard event into an enriching journey for all participants, events and meetings can:
• Incorporate cultural exchanges, educational workshops, and hands-on community projects;
• Provide immersive experiences that foster a genuine connection to the local environment and culture; and
• Give attendees a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Fostering Respect for Nature
Integrating nature into the event experiences, helps cultivate a profound respect for the environment. Events and meetings can play an active role in promoting a deeper appreciation for the natural world and supporting environmental stewardship by:
• Including outdoor activities, eco-friendly accommodations, and nature-based wellness sessions;
• Making nature a central element of the experience to raise awareness of its importance and biodiversity; and
• Inspiring attendees through stories, educational programs, and memorable experiences to carry these values into their daily lives.
This comprehensive approach to event planning not only enhances the reputation of the organisers but also inspires participants to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives, institutions, and businesses. The resulting ripple effect contributes to a responsible, sustainable transformation in the MICE and corporate travel industry, creating a legacy of positive change for all involved.
Read the full the article to hear from other industry experts including Kati Hagedorn (Tourism Cares), Cara Puah (Tourism & Hospitality at NTUC LearningHub), EXO Travel, Jana Apih (GoodPlace), and Judith Mair (The University of Queensland Business School).
👉 trainingaid.org/panel/net-positive-meetings-events
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have on the subject and would love your feedback too.
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Comments
Adding carbon reduction elements including transportation to - from - during the event, and thinking through the whole supply chain of an event, as well as sustainability (e.g. infrastructure or other projects) post-event. A digital planning tool (in full scope, suitable for developed countries) - greentime.se/en/start-en/.
Kirsi many thanks for your feedback and the link!
Hi Gili,
Not sure if they covered it in the webinar, but GSTC have sustainability criteria for MICE which I helped work on. You can download the criteria here: www.gstcouncil.org/gstc-criteria/gstc-mice-criteria/.
thank you for sharing Vicky. I am well aware but its good for others to gain access too!